Animal Welfare Board of India – Role, Functions, and Structure

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Animal Welfare Board of India – Role, Functions, and Structure

Animal Welfare Board of India

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The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body established under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Formed in 1962, the Board was founded under the leadership of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, a renowned humanitarian and a pioneer in India’s animal welfare movement.
The Board plays a pivotal role in promoting the cause of animal welfare across the country. Its core functions include:
- Ensuring proper implementation of animal welfare laws.
- Advising the Government of India on policy matters related to animal welfare.
- Providing financial assistance to registered Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs) through grants.
For over six decades, the Board has remained at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to safeguard animal rights and prevent cruelty to animals.
Composition:
- The Board is composed of 28 members, including six Members of Parliament (two from the Rajya Sabha and four from the Lok Sabha).
Term:
- Each member is appointed for a term of three years.
Headquarter:
- The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), headquartered at Ballabhgarh in Haryana state.
Administered by:
- Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India.

Mandate

To prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals, in terms of the provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.

Functions

To keep the law in force in India for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals under constant study and to advise the government on the amendments to be undertaken in any such law from time to time.
To advise the Central Government on the making of rules under the Act with a view to preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals generally, and more particularly when they are being transported from one place to another or when they are used as performing animals or when they are kept in captivity or confinment.
To advise the Government or any local authority or other person on improvements in the design of vehicles so as to lessen the burden on draught animals.
To take all such steps as the Board may think fit for *(amelioration of animals) by encouraging or providing for, the construction of sheds, water troughs and the like and by providing for veterinary assistance to animals.
To advise the Government or any local authority or other person in the design of slaughter houses or the maintenance of slaughter houses or in connection with slaughter of animals so that unnecessary pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is eliminated in the preslaughter stages as far as possible, and animals are killed; wherever necessary, in as humane a manner as possible.
To take all such steps as the Board may think fit to ensure that unwanted animals are destroyed by local authorities, whenever it is necessary to do so, either instantaneously or after being rendered insensible to pain or suffering.
To encourage by the grant of financial assistance or otherwise,**(the formation or establishment of Pinjarapoles, rescue homes, animals shelters, sanctuaries and the like), where animals and birds may find a shelter when they have become old and useless or when they need protection.
To co-operate with, and co-ordinate the work of, associations or bodies established for the purpose of preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals or for the protection of animals and birds.
To give financial and other assistance to Animal Welfare Organisations functioning in any local area or to encourage the formation of Animal Welfare Organisations in any local area which shall work under the general supervision and guidance of the Board.
To advise the Government on matters relating to the medical care and attention which may be provided in animal hospitals, and to give financial and other assistance to animal hospitals whenever the Board thinks it necessary to do so.
To impart education in relation to the humane treatment of animals and to encourage the formation of public opinion against the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and for the promotion of animal welfare by means of lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions and the like.
To advise the Government on any matter connected with animal welfare or the Prevention of infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)?

The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory body established in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. It advises the government on animal welfare issues and ensures compliance with animal protection laws.

Q2. Who founded the Animal Welfare Board of India?

The Board was founded under the leadership of Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, a pioneer in India’s animal welfare movement.

Q3. What are the main functions of the Animal Welfare Board of India?

AWBI ensures implementation of animal welfare laws, advises the central government on policy matters, and provides grants to Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs).

Q4. How is the Animal Welfare Board of India structured?

The Board consists of 28 members, including 6 Members of Parliament. Members serve a term of 3 years.

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