Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

9. Function of the Board. -

The functions of the Board shall be-

(a) to keep the law in force in India for the prevention of cruelty to animals under constant study and advise the Government on the amendments to be undertaken in any such law from time to time;

(b) to advise the Central Government on the making of rules under this Act with a view to preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animal generally, and more particularly when they are being transported from one place to another or when they are used as performing animals or when they are kept in captivity or confinement;

(c) to advise the Government or any local authority or other person on improvements in the design of vehicles so as to lessen the burden on draught animals;

(d) to take all such steps as the Board may think fit for ameliorating the conditions of beasts of burden by encouraging, or providing for, the construction of sheds, water-troughs and the like and by providing for veterinary assistance to animals;

(e) to advise the Government or any local authority or other person in the design of slaughter-houses or in the maintenance of slaughter-houses or in connection with slaughter of animals so that unnecessary pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is eliminated in the pre-slaughter stages as far as possible, and animals are killed, wherever necessary, in as humane a manner as possible;

(f) to take all such steps as the Board may think fit to ensure that unwanted animals are destroyed by local authorities whenever it is necessary to do so, either instantaneously or after being rendered insensible to pain or suffering;

(g) to encourage, by the grant of financial assistance or otherwise, the formation of pinjrapoles, sanctuaries and the like where animals and birds may find a shelter when they have become old and useless or when they need protection;

(h) to co-operative with, and co-ordinate the work of, associations or bodies established for the purpose of preventing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals or for the protection of animals and birds;

(i) to give financial and other assistance to animal welfare organizations functioning in any local area or to encourage the formation of animal welfare organizations in any local area which shall work under the general supervision and guidance of the Board.

(j) to advise the Government on matters relating to the medical care and attention which may be provided in animal hospitals and to give financial and other assistance to animal hospitals whenever the Board thinks it necessary to do so;

(k) to impart education in relation to the humane treatment of animals and to encourage the formation of public opinion against the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and for the promotion of animal welfare by means of lectures, books, posters, cinematographic exhibitions and the like;

(l) to advise the Government on any matter connected with animal welfare or the prevention of infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals.

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