Sonipat (Haryana): “Cattle smuggling isn’t just an animal welfare issue – it’s a national security matter,” claimed Advocate Daryl Menezes, associated with Dhyan Foundation (DF), while speaking at a riveting panel discussion organized at O.P. Jindal Global University campus here on the issue of Animal Welfare Laws in India.
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) report substantiates this claim, revealing that the profits generated from cattle smuggling are often used to fund terrorism, making this a critical issue in sensitive border regions.
Advocate Menezes along with his fellow panelist Advocate Shreya Agarwal, also associated with the DF, stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to combat smuggling, one that not only focuses on animal welfare but also on national security.
Both shared Dhyan Foundation’s involvement in the dire need of rehabilitating cattle smuggled through the India-Bangladesh border in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF).
The event, a collaboration between Dhyan Foundation, Animal Welfare Society and the India Policy Forum of O.P. Jindal Global University, brought together experts to delve into the state of animal protection laws in India, their enforcement, and the challenges faced by street animals, pets, and smuggled cattle.
The panel comprising two legal experts shared their extensive knowledge of the prevailing Indian laws on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, its adequacy/inadequacies, and the challenges faced in its implementation at the ground level.
The discussion began with the question: What steps should be taken when a street animal is being harassed?
Both speakers emphasized the importance of taking action through legal means.
“The first and most immediate action is to contact local authorities – such as the police – and request them to register a formal complaint,” responded advocate Menezes even as both panelists reiterated all action must be in accordance with the established law and that none including the highest officials are above the law.
Their discussion citing the Supreme Court’ ruling highlighted that street animals including dogs have an inherent right to life that cannot be infringed upon. This legal standpoint provides a solid foundation for protecting street animals from cruelty and harassment.
Advocate Agarwal pointed out that before 2017, animals were treated as mere property, meaning that owners could reclaim animals abused by these owner, even after a formal complaint was lodged. “However, a significant legal reform came into effect post-2017, which provides for animals to be rehabilitated in shelters, pending litigation in cruelty cases. This change reflects a growing recognition of the animal’s rights over its mere status as an object of ownership,” she said.
Towards wrapping up of the discussion, both panelists were asked about the future of animal welfare in India, especially in relation to evolving policy formation. Both expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the strides made in recent years, while also underscoring the importance of continued advocacy, public awareness, and strict implementation of the existing laws for the protection of animals.
The event not only provided valuable legal insights but also highlighted the critical role of organizations like Dhyan Foundation, in advocating for humane treatment and legal protection for animals in India.
While highlighting the critical role of organizations like Dhyan Foundation, this insightful discussion marked a significant step towards raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare laws in India, highlighting both the progress made and the road ahead. The event closed on a note of solidarity, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to the cause of protecting the rights of animals across the nation.
About Dhyan Foundation: It is a recognized animal welfare organization, registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It is taking care of the sick, injured, abandoned, orphaned and rescued cows, bulls, dogs, cats, buffaloes, camels, donkeys, sheep, goats, birds and more through a network of over 45 shelters and gaushalas. It provides rescue, rehabilitation and treatment services besides running a 24-hour emergency helpline and ambulance services and emergency relief programs for animals in distress.
It is also an active member of Goa Animal Welfare Board, Delhi State Advisory Board for Animal Welfare and member of the Committee constituted for Inspection & Supervision of Gaushalas in areas of Delhi. In 2018, it was awarded the Best Cow Shelter Award by the Federation of Indian Animals Protection Organisation in addition to the Leadership award in 2019 for contribution towards the conservation of local cattle germplasm by ICAR- Central Coastal Agriculture Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa.
