Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules was framed under the 1960 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and was introduced in 2017. One of its provisions enables the local magistrate to take interim custody of the animal and hand it over to some local animal shelter home. The expenditure incurred in caring for the rescued animal is to be borne by the accused owner. In contrast, this forfeiture of animal is allowed only when case has resulted in conviction. This is being discussed in the Supreme Court.