Animal Welfare in India

Officials in India are currently drafting a new animal welfare law, headed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Currently, animals in India are protected by a 1960 Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act, which enforces animal cruelty with a 50 rupees fine. It is speculated that the new law will deal with issues such as breeding, pet stores, and even animal festivals. This comes at a time when animal welfare seems to be gaining increasing focus in India. Six states in India have banned animal sacrifices during festivals; and in November 2009, the Indian government declared that elephants could no longer be kept in circuses and zoos.