Animal Welfare Board of India

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory advisory body established by the Government of India to promote the welfare of animals and ensure their humane treatment. It functions under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, serving as the primary institution responsible for implementing animal welfare laws and advising the government on policies related to the prevention of cruelty to animals across the nation.

Background and Establishment

The AWBI was founded in 1962, following the enactment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Board was initially established under the leadership of Rukmini Devi Arundale, a renowned animal welfare activist and Member of Parliament. It was conceived as part of India’s growing recognition of animal rights and ethical treatment of animals in the post-independence era.
The creation of the Board reflected India’s commitment to Gandhian values of compassion towards all living beings. The Board was the first of its kind in the world to be set up by a government for the purpose of protecting animals from unnecessary pain or suffering.

Objectives and Functions

The AWBI performs a wide range of functions aimed at ensuring humane treatment and management of animals. Its core objectives include:

• Advising the Government of India on matters relating to animal welfare legislation and policy.
• Promoting awareness and humane education among citizens regarding the ethical treatment of animals.
• Preventing cruelty to animals in various sectors such as entertainment, transport, and experimentation.
• Registering and supervising Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) to ensure adherence to humane standards.
• Providing financial assistance to registered organisations engaged in animal rescue, shelter, and care.
• Monitoring implementation of animal welfare laws such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules and Performing Animals (Registration) Rules.

The Board also conducts inspections of animal facilities, issues guidelines for the humane handling of animals, and assists in the enforcement of rules related to experimentation on animals used for scientific or educational purposes.

Structure and Composition

The AWBI comprises a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and members representing different ministries, animal welfare organisations, veterinary experts, and animal activists. Members are appointed by the Government of India for a term of three years.
The Headquarters of the Board is located in Ballabhgarh, Haryana, though it previously operated from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It functions under the administrative control of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Major Programmes and Initiatives

The Board oversees several programmes and campaigns across India that promote compassion and humane treatment of animals. Some of its significant initiatives include:

• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme: Implemented primarily for the control of stray dog population through sterilisation and immunisation against rabies.
• Animal Welfare Grants: Financial support for constructing shelters, ambulances, and care centres for sick or injured animals.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Disseminating humane education materials in schools and through media campaigns.
• Monitoring of Film and Entertainment Industry: Ensuring that animals used in films, circuses, and television shows are treated humanely, and issuing “No Objection Certificates” before filming.
• Disaster Response and Animal Rescue: Coordinating relief and rescue efforts for animals affected by natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

Legal and Regulatory Role

The AWBI is central to the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which is the cornerstone of animal protection legislation in India. The Board ensures compliance with subordinate rules framed under the Act, including:

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals) Rules, 1978
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001
• Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001
• Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 and 2023 revisions

It also advises state governments and local bodies in formulating and enforcing local-level animal welfare measures and acts as an appellate authority in cases related to animal welfare violations.

Collaboration and Outreach

The AWBI collaborates with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, international bodies, and state animal welfare boards to expand the reach of its initiatives. Through partnerships with local organisations, it extends its impact to rural and urban areas alike, addressing issues such as illegal animal trade, poaching, and cruelty in livestock markets.
The Board also plays an active role in coordinating with international animal welfare organisations such as the World Animal Protection (WAP) and the Humane Society International (HSI) to align Indian practices with global standards of animal care and ethical research.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its significant mandate, the AWBI has faced challenges in ensuring comprehensive enforcement of animal welfare laws due to limited resources, lack of awareness, and jurisdictional overlaps between central and state authorities. Critics have pointed out issues such as:

• Insufficient funding for animal welfare organisations and shelter facilities.
• Inadequate manpower and infrastructure to conduct nationwide inspections.
• Conflicts with other government agencies and legal disputes concerning the regulation of animal-based industries.

There have also been debates regarding the Board’s stance on cultural and religious practices involving animals, such as Jallikattu and bullock cart races, where it has often been at the centre of public and judicial scrutiny.

Contemporary Significance

In recent years, the AWBI has strengthened its efforts towards integrating animal welfare within broader national policies on public health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The increasing public concern for animal rights and the rise of animal activism in India have also amplified the Board’s role in shaping humane standards across industries.
The Board continues to advocate for stronger penalties for animal cruelty, improved shelter infrastructure, and better coordination between civil society and law enforcement agencies. Its ongoing initiatives underscore India’s growing commitment to compassion and ethical coexistence between humans and animals, reaffirming the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India under Article 51A(g), which enjoins every citizen to have compassion for living creatures.