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Animal Welfare Fortnight: 14 to 30 January, called by the Animal Welfare Board of India

Animal Welfare Fortnight: 14 to 30 January, called by the Animal Welfare Board of India

Animal Welfare Fortnight is marked in India every year from 14 to 30 January. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) asks state governments, local bodies, animal welfare organisations and the public to use the fortnight to spread kindness to animals.

This year

YearDatesAWBI message
202614 to 30 JanuaryIssued , together with Jiv Jantu Kalyan Diwas on Vasant Panchami. See the Library: Message to Celebrate Animal Welfare Fortnight 2026
202714 to 30 JanuaryNot issued yet (AWBI usually issues it in early January)

Who started it

The Animal Welfare Board of India is the statutory body set up in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Its founder chairperson, Rukmini Devi Arundale, started the yearly animal welfare fortnight in 1964.

What happens in the fortnight

  • AWBI’s message: each year AWBI sends a circular to the states and union territories, recognised animal welfare organisations and its honorary animal welfare representatives, asking for awareness programmes during the fortnight.
  • Suggested activities in past AWBI messages: animal birth control and anti-rabies drives, rescue and treatment of sick and injured animals, and campaigns against plastic that animals swallow.
  • States and local bodies run their own events. In 2026, for example, the Andaman and Nicobar administration formally launched the fortnight.

What you can do

  • Get your dog vaccinated against rabies, and ask your local body about sterilisation and vaccination for community dogs.
  • Help an injured animal: call a local rescue group or a government veterinary hospital. Find one in the Directory.
  • Keep plastic away from animals: cattle and street animals swallow plastic bags with food waste.
  • Report cruelty: cruelty to animals is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Questions and answers

Related on Animal Writes

Questions about Animal Welfare Fortnight

Animal welfare FAQ

Every year from 14 to 30 January. The next one is 14 to 30 January 2027.

The Animal Welfare Board of India, which asks states, local bodies and animal welfare organisations to hold events.

In 1964, started by AWBI’s founder chairperson, Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Sources

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