New Delhi: The Union Environment Ministry has prepared the Draft Animal Welfare Bill 2011, recommending stringent punishment and heavy fines for torturing animals and sent it for inter-ministerial consultations prior to the Cabinet’s approval.
“The Draft Bill has been sent for inter-ministerial consultations prior to cabnet approval,” a Ministry source said.
The draft bill redefines the term ‘animal’, as meaning any live vertebrate, including fish, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal but does not denote human beings. The revised version of the bill aiming to “promote animal welfare, protection, care and to prevent infliction of unncessary pain or suffering on animals” dedicates separate chapters to promote welfare of animals and fines and penalties for torturing them.
For any violation of the Act, the person shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs one crore or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, it says.
“In case the violation is committed by an institution /organization/company such institution/organization/company shall be punishable with fine which may extend upto Rs 25 crore,” the draft says. (PTI)