Gangtok, July 15 (IPR): PETA India organised a police sensitisation workshop at the Police Headquarters, here today.
The workshop is part of a three-day programme conducted by lawyer and head of PETA India’s Cruelty Response Division Mr Meet Ashar. He also serves as an honorary Animal Welfare Representative of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. Mr Ashar has been actively involved in animal welfare for the past 15 years.
During the session, Mr Ashar stressed the importance of treating animal cruelty cases with the same seriousness as crimes against humans. He distributed the Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws, published by the AWBI.
He explained key points under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which mainly addresses the use of animals in entertainment. The Act prohibits training or exhibiting animals for entertainment without proper registration and compliance. He highlighted the need for a Performing Animals Registration Certificate and a fitness certificate from a veterinary doctor when using animals for such purposes.
Mr Ashar urged police personnel to take animal-related crimes seriously, noting the link between violence against animals and humans. He explained that some criminals experience a sense of ‘adrenaline’ from committing such acts. He cited the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which considers animal cruelty a predictor of current and future violence, including serious crimes against humans. Notorious criminals like Veerappan and Ameer-ul-Islam were mentioned as examples of individuals who began their criminal paths by abusing animals.
Under the topic Constitutional Provisions for Animals, he discussed:
* Part IV A: Fundamental Duties, Article 51A(g) – the duty of every citizen to have compassion for all living creatures.
* Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 48 – prohibition of cow, calf, and draught cattle slaughter.
* Article 48A – the duty of the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
Mr Ashar also listed important central and state laws, including:
* Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
* Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
* Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
* The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
* Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2022)
* Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
* The Sikkim Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 2017
* The Sikkim (Livestock and Livestock Products Control) Act, 1985 (as amended in 2017)
He went on to explain rules framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, such as:
* Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965
* Transport of Animals Rules, 1978
* Performing Animals Rules, 1973 and Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001
* Transport of Animals on Foot Rules, 2001
* Slaughter House Rules, 2001
* Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2011
* Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017
* Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals Rules, 2017
* Pet Shop Rules, 2018
* Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
He also explained the procedure to be followed after filing an FIR related to animal abuse, the difference between cognisable and non-cognisable offences, and the vetero-legal process. He discussed the powers granted to police under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
A poster outlining different crimes against animals was distributed at the end of the session. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where police personnel clarified their doubts about animal-related crimes.
The welcome address was delivered by Inspector General of Police (Special Branch) with additional charge of Headquarters Mr Thakur Thapa,. The vote of thanks was proposed by Senior Superintendent of Police, Communication, Police Headquarters, Mr Ajay Kumar Rai.
The event was attended by police officers, members from Non-Governmental Organisations such as People For Animals (PFA) Sikkim, Citizen Animal Shelter, The Guardian, along with animal rescuers, and activists.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
