Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.)

• Origins of the Society

  Approximately 120 years ago, the S.P.C.A. was founded in England by compassionate individuals with the intention of safeguarding the welfare of voiceless animals.

• Global Spread

  Following its inception, similar organizations emerged in various countries worldwide, mirroring the mission of the original society.

• Mission and Objectives

  The primary goal of the S.P.C.A. is to combat animal cruelty by implementing legal measures against individuals who mistreat animals.

• Legal Framework

  Legislation such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, empowers the judicial system to prosecute offenders who engage in acts of cruelty towards animals.

• Examples of Offenses

  Actions such as physical abuse, overloading animals, utilizing injured animals for labor, depriving animals of food, and administering oxytocin to cows or buffaloes instead of natural suckling are punishable under the aforementioned laws.

Poison Act

• Safe Custody of Poisons:
  • The act emphasizes the safe storage of poisons and mandates proper labeling of containers used for selling or possessing poisons.
• Inspection and Examination:
  • It requires vendors to allow inspection and examination of poisons they possess for sale.
• Prohibition of Importation:
  • The Central Government can prohibit the importation of specified poisons into India without a license, except under specific conditions.
• Regulation of Poison Possession:
  • State Governments can regulate the possession of specific poisons in areas where their misuse for harmful purposes is frequent.
  • Rules may include penalties such as imprisonment and fines for breaching regulations.
• Presumption of Poisons:
  • Any substance listed as a poison in the rules or notifications of the Act is considered a poison under the law.
• Penalties for Unlawful Activities:
  • Individuals violating importation rules, conditions of licenses, or other regulations may face imprisonment or fines.
  • Confiscation of poisons and related items is also possible upon committing an offense.
• Search Warrants:
  • Authorized officials can issue warrants to search places suspected of illegal possession or sale of poisons.
  • Procedures for executing search warrants follow the relevant legal guidelines.
• Rules and Regulations:
  • The Act empowers the Government to create rules for achieving the objectives of the legislation.
  • Publication of rules in the Official Gazette is necessary for them to take effect.
• Savings Clause:
  • Provisions of the Act do not interfere with legitimate activities conducted by medical or veterinary practitioners in good faith.
  • State Governments can exempt certain articles or poisons from specific provisions through orders.

Dangerous Drugs Act

• Centralized Control:
  • The Act centralizes control over activities involving dangerous drugs under the Central Government.
• Prohibitions and Regulations:
  • Strict regulations are in place regarding the cultivation, manufacture, import, and export of dangerous drugs.
• Manufacture of Opium:
  • No one is allowed to manufacture or possess prepared opium without proper authorization.
• Regulation of Manufactured Drugs:
  • The Central Government can issue rules to permit and regulate the manufacture of drugs other than prepared opium.
  • These rules may specify licensing requirements and conditions for manufacturing.
• Penalties:
  • Individuals involved in cultivating poppy and producing opium illegally may face imprisonment and fines.

Animal Welfare Organizations in India

• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

  • The SPCA aims to promote kindness towards animals through various initiatives such as educational visits to schools, lectures, and audiovisual campaigns.
  • Branches of SPCA exist in cities and towns across India, providing services for distressed animals, including free veterinary clinics and ambulance services.
  • SPCA inspectors, with police powers, enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and prosecute offenders.
  • Cities like Madras have Dog Hostels for pet care, including grooming services and temporary shelter for abandoned animals.
  • Educational programs in schools emphasize kindness towards animals through activities like painting competitions and forming Kindness Clubs.

• Animal Welfare Board of India

  • The Board, established in 1962, operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests and advises the government on animal welfare policies.
  • Functions include implementing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, recognizing animal welfare organizations, and promoting education on humane treatment of animals.
  • Notable achievements include framing rules, banning the export of monkeys for experiments, and recognizing individuals with the "Prani Mitra Awards."
  • The Board conducts the Animal Welfare Fortnight annually and works towards biodiversity preservation and recognizing animals' rights to life and liberty.