‘Take part, reach out and stop cruelty to animals’

Dr S Chinny Krishna, the former vice-chairman of the Animal Welfare Board of India (2002 to 2017 February) and a key member of the board that drafted the anti-cruelty rules the environment ministry is considering, spoke to HT about the possible ways in which cruelty to pets can be reduced. Between 1996 and 2002, Dr Krishna also served as a member of the Central Government’s Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals, and as Chairman of several sub-committees. Excerpts from the interview: touched upon increasing the fine for cruelty cases.

Inbreeding is a cash-and-carry business. It is worth millions of dollars in India and billions worldwide. There are so many vested interests and there is enough money for all involved. If the new rules are strictly implemented, it will control this business. The rules clearly state how many times an animal can be bred and will ask breeders to keep records of this activity as well as the animals’ health. If these broad aspects can be followed, it will go a long way in reducing the cruel breeding of pets. they are returning for good. If dogs are being brought in otherwise, it is smuggling, and officials are being bribed. At the basic levels, officials at airports, railway stations and the police need to be trained to identify such cases.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, has a clause: if an owner or person taking care of a pet abandons them, they can be prosecuted. However, in most cases, the rules are not implemented as no one is aware about them. State bodies must join hands with NGOS to conduct workshops and awareness drives at all big cities so that the masses are aware of the cruelty aruond them.