Animal lovers all over India are witness to the countless incidences of cruelty to animals. Many wonder what tangible efforts are being done by the government to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) (PCA Act- 1960) since the police alone lack the capacity to manage issues that arise.
Towards the attainment of more comprehensive, effective and professional enforcement of the PCA Act 1960, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was formed in 1962. Here’s all you need to know about the board.
Promptly after the enactment of the PCA Act in 1960, the ministry moved to set up an autonomous body, the AWBI in 1962. The board consists of 28 members drawn from the government of India, veterinary professionals, municipal bodies, members of the Rajya Sabha and of the Lok Sabha, medical practitioners and representation from animal welfare organisations.
The core mandate of the animal welfare board of India is to facilitate the enforcement of the law against animal cruelty. The board is also tasked with the duty of advising the government of necessary revisions and updates over time.
The board also advises government and state agencies on matters relating to the welfare of animals such as the construction of animal sheds, construction of facilities such as slaughter houses, animal population control, and animal health.
Other functions of the Board are to provide financial assistance to animal welfare organisations and encourage their activities and impart education concerning the humane treatment of animals.
In order to prevent the proliferation of stray dogs in many cities in India, the AWBI initiated one of their flagship programs, The Animal Birth Control Program for dogs. This program is implemented in over 60 cities in India and through it over one lakh dogs are sterilised and vaccinated against rabies every year.
The AWBI has since released over 70 circulars and notices towards the promotion of humane treatment of animals and abetment of cruelty to animals and harassment of animal lovers. To access these publications, you can visit http://awbi.org/?q=node/190
To reach the animal welfare board of India, you can use these contacts
Address: 13/1, Third Seaward Road, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai- 600 041.
Phone : 044-24571024, 24571025 Fax: 044-24571016
E-mail :awbi@md3.vsnl.net.in, animalwelfareboard@gmail.com
