Urgent request to ensure Compliance of Transport of Animals Rules, 1978 (amended in 2OO1 and 2OO9) under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 196O (PCA Act) in regard to Illegal Cattle Transportation at the India Nepal Border – dated 29.10.2024

The Animal Welfare Board of India issued an urgent circular on 29.10.2024 to ensure strict compliance with laws regarding illegal cattle transportation involving stray dogs and other animals at the India-Nepal border. This administrative document decides and asks authorities to strictly enforce regulations to prevent cruelty during animal transit. It applies to state governments, municipal bodies, police, and animal welfare organisations. The key direction requires authorities to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, which were amended in 2001 and 2009. In practice, citizens and community animal feeders can cite these rules when reporting illegal cattle transport and animal cruelty to law enforcement agencies. Feeders and animal welfare NGOs can use the document to hold authorities accountable for border transport violations.