The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 should be amended and the amount of penalty to be enhanced.

The PCA Act, 1960 was passed in parliament on 26th December, 1960. It pertinent to mention that the money value of 1960 was considerably on higher side than the present money value. Hence, the amount of penalty imposed for abusing any Animal was quite suitable during 1960. But now a days the Money value have decreased to maximum extent, where as the amount of penalty to be imposed for violation of the PCA Act,1960 has not been increased proportionately. For example, as per Section 11(1)(a) of the PCA Act 1960, if any person beats, kicks, over rides, over drives, overloads, tortures or otherwise treats any Animal so as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering then “he shall be punishable in the case of first offence, with fine which shall not be less than Ten Rupees  but which may extend to Fifty Rupees…..”

But now a day’s penalty of Rupees ten or even that of Rupees Fifty is very negligible amount. Hence the amount in place of Rs. 10 and Rs.50 should be enhanced to        atleast Rs. 2,000.00 and  Rs. 10,000.00 respectively , i.e. atleast 200 times more due to diminution of present money value in comparison with the money value of 1960.

If the amount of penalty is increased then committing various cruelties to Animals will definitely decrease throughout the country.

In view of the fact stated above, we the Animal Welfare activist should raise our voice to amend the PCA Act, 1960 and enhance the amount of penalty accordingly.