Do you know your rights as an animal lover?

It was Gandhi who said that “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” India has always been a country that knows how to value nature in all forms.

Over the years some of us have lost our way and then there are some differing views as there always will be. The basic rights of animals and the people who care for them are included in the Constitution of this country.

So, if you are an animal lover who does feed and care for street animals,
here are some rules put forward by the Constitution of India to protect the voiceless and the people who are working towards their welfare:

1. There are no laws that prohibit people from feeding stray animals.

Feeding stray animals is our constitutional right and is in fact a duty cast upon us by the Constitution of India – of showing compassion to all living creatures. Courts uphold feeding of street dogs as it reduces human-animal conflict and suspicion. It also and helps to keep them in one neighbourhood which further facilitates efficient birth control and annual vaccination. Attempts to interfere or harass people who choose to look after community dogs may amount to the very grave offence of criminal intimidation.

2. It is a criminal offence to feed poisonous food to stray animals.

If held responsible, one can be charged under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 punishable by imprisonment and fine.