Advisory on Humane and Compassionate Treatment of All Animals

The Animal Welfare Board of India issued an advisory on humane and compassionate treatment of all animals, directing authorities and individuals to protect animals from cruelty and ensure humane handling of stray dogs. The advisory, bearing file number AC-02003/1/2026-AWBI, applies to state governments, municipal bodies, police, animal welfare organisations, gaushalas, pet shops, breeders, citizens, and community animal feeders. It urges all persons to refrain from beating, kicking, torturing, frightening or otherwise causing unnecessary pain or suffering to any animal, and prohibits deliberate injury, poisoning, abandonment or any form of inhumane treatment. The document requires adequate food, clean drinking water, suitable shelter and necessary veterinary care, with protective measures during extreme heat, cold, heavy rainfall or other adverse weather. It calls for animal-friendly practices during festivals, processions, weddings and public gatherings, and mandates that animals be handled, transported and housed to minimise fear, pain and suffering. During floods, fires, heatwaves, cold waves, cyclones and other emergencies, appropriate measures must protect animals from injury, dehydration, starvation and exposure. Any person witnessing animal cruelty, serious neglect or abuse should promptly inform appropriate authorities or a recognised animal welfare organisation. State and Union Territory authorities, urban local bodies, educational institutions, animal welfare organisations, gaushalas, corporates and other stakeholders are advised to comply with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and rules made thereunder. In practice, citizens and community animal feeders can cite the guidelines when facing interference from resident welfare associations or neighbours while caring for street dogs. The advisory was copied to directors of animal husbandry departments of all states and union territories, member secretaries of state animal welfare boards, commissioners of municipal corporations and other urban local bodies, district collectors, Animal Welfare Board of India members, all AWBI-recognised animal welfare organisations, and all honorary animal welfare representatives.