Animal Welfare Board of India: What is it’s Mandate?

Significance of Animal Welfare Board of India for UPSC

Animal Welfare Board of India: Animal Welfare Board of India is important for both UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains(GS-3: Environment).

Why in news?

• Animal Welfare Board of India has issued advisories with regard to stray dogs and pet dogs.
• In recent times, it has been brought to the notice of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) that atrocities against the dogs, feeders of dogs and care givers and conflicts among urban residents are increasing day by day.

Background

• Central Government has framed the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rule, 2001 which is to be implemented by the local authority to control the population of stray dogs.
• The main focus of the rules is on anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs and neutering of stray dogs as means of population stabilization.

Constitution of Animal Welfare Board of India

• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a Statutory Body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 (PCA Act).
• The Animal Welfare Board of India, the first of its kind to be established by any Government in the world, was set up in 1962, in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Acts 1960.
• Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale pioneered the setting up of the Board, with its Headquaters at Chennai. She guided the activities of the Board for nearly twenty years till her demise in 1986.

What is the Mandate of Animal Welfare Board of India?

• The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body on Animal Welfare Laws and promotes animal welfare in the country.
• Established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (No. 59 of 1960), the Animal Welfare Board of India was started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian.
• The AWBI is an advisory body to the Central Government and State Government and also looks after the matter of implementation of PCA Act, 1960 and the Rules framed under this Act.
• From ensuring that animal welfare laws in the country are diligently followed, to provide grants to Animal Welfare Organizations and advising the Government of India on animal welfare issues, the Board has been the face of the animal welfare movement in the country for the last 50 years.
• The Board consists of 28 Members. The term of office of Members is for a period of 3 years.

Analysis of Down to Earth Magazine: Are We at Peace With Nature?

What kind of advisory Issued by Animal Welfare Board of India on Stray Dogs?

To Follow Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rule, 2001:

• The Central Government has framed the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rule, 2001 which is to be implemented by the local authority to control the population of stray dogs.
• The main focus of the rules is on anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs and neutering of stray dogs as means of population stabilization.
• However, it has been noticed that there is lack of proper implementation of Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001 by the Municipal Corporation / Local Bodies and instead attempts are made for relocation of dogs from the urban areas.
• So, The Municipal Corporations need to implement the Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Program jointly.

To Follow Supreme Court’s Ruling:

• The Supreme Court has in various orders specifically mentioned that relocation of dogs cannot be permitted. The Municipal Corporations need to implement the ABC and Anti Rabies Program jointly.
• The RWA also cannot deny feeding of dogs or creation of feeding spot in those areas where these dogs are residing. The Animal feeders/ care givers are feeding these animals from their own resources and out of Compassion.

To Follow Constitutional Provisions:

• The Constitution of India has allowed the Citizen of India to feed Animals under 51 A (g). Therefore, the feeder cannot be prevented from feeding the animals or care giving following the AWBI Advisories.
• Therefore, all the RWAs and Citizen of India are requested not to take any kind of adverse action against the feeders of dogs, nor to relocate or resort to poisoning of dogs or other atrocities which is against the law of the land.

National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination

FAQs

Q. What is Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)?

Ans. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a Statutory Body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 (PCA Act).

Q. Which Article of Indian Constitution gives us Right to feed Animals?

Ans. The Constitution of India has allowed the Citizen of India to feed Animals(Stray or Pet) under 51 A (g).

Q. How many members are there in Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)?

Ans. The Board consists of 28 Members. The term of office of Members is for a period of 3 years.

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