New bill worked out envisaging fine, jail term for cruelty against animals

The government has worked out a new piece of legislation which, if enacted, provides for cruelty against animals a punishable offence warranting fine or jail term, or both.

The bill titled ‘Animal Welfare’ has been announced in the gazette ahead of its presentation in Parliament.

According to the new piece of legislation, it will be prohibited to beat, kick, override, overload, overwork, overwalk, over breed, torture, and terrify an animal.

It is also not allowed to use animals in any work or labour if it is unfit for it. Training an animal in a way that is detrimental to its health and welfare, administering any poison, injurious drug or substance to an animal are also offences outlined in the bill.

The bill, once enacted, will not allow anyone to keep or confine an animal in any cage or place which does not measure sufficiently in height, length and breadth.

Willful deprivation of an animal of food by the person in charge of it is also an offence.

Any person who acts in contravention of the provisions of the bill, upon conviction after trial by a Magistrate, will be liable to a fine not exceeding Rs. 70,000 rupees or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.

Any person convicted of killing any animal in a cruel manner is liable to a fine not exceeding Rs.125, 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both. (Kelum Bandara)