Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Animal Cruelty Penalty as Low as ₹10 for First Offense in India
Imagine someone is mean to an animal.
The current law in India says the first time this happens, the person might only have to pay a small fine, like ₹10 to ₹50.
If they do it again within three years, the fine could be higher, or they might even go to jail for a few months.
The government of India has a board that helps take care of animals, and it sends complaints about animal cruelty to the right people in each state so they can do something about it.
The penalty for animal cruelty can be as low as ₹10-50 for a first offense under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Subsequent offenses within three years may result in fines or imprisonment.
Enforcement of the Act is primarily the responsibility of state governments.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) forwards complaints to the relevant authorities.
AWBI has addressed 4,589 complaints in the last five years, with action taken reports received for 306 cases.
- Who
- Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- What
- The penalties for animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- When
- The Act was passed in 1960.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To penalize acts of cruelty to animals.
- First Offense Fine
- ₹10-50
- Subsequent Offense Fine
- ₹20-100
- Subsequent Offense Imprisonment
- Up to 3 months
- Act Year
- 1960
- Complaints Addressed by AWBI (Last 5 years)
- 4,589
- Complaints with Action Taken Reports
- 306
