Question; In light of the contemporary debates in Indian society on the necessity and extent of protecting and recognizing legal rights of animals, there is an inclination in the legal society to recognize the importance of respect and protection of animals. As per the ancient Indian culture, animals are regarded as divine beings. Presently, animals hold various roles, such as agricultural and transportational purposes in the rural areas, pets as companions, in sports, circuses or zoos for entertainment, scientific experiments in the educational sectors in science and research etc. Animals have a major contribution to the Indian diet. Since the inception of mankind, humans have been dependent on domestic creatures; Hence, these animals must be protected by the means of law. There are various guidelines in the ancient religious scriptures of India for the protection of animals. India has some provisions in the Constitution and some acts, rules and regulations relating to protection of animals in India.

“An Introduction to Animal Laws in India” discusses all types of laws relating to animals and their rights- from wild animals to domestic animals, cattle to foreign and migratory animals. This book is a compendious piece of legal materials as it comprises animal related laws containing acts, relevant provisions of other statutes, rules and orders passed there under, the state enactments and rules and judicial decisions. Meticulously summarised in the book, the author lists many facts from concerned case laws. The statutes, rules and orders have been reproduced in a systematic manner, supported with the amendments wherever made. The book is divided into nineteen chapters. The ‘Introduction’ of the book gives an apt foundation of the subject, covering the position of animals within human law. Chapter two, “Animal Rights and Laws” starts with a basic question whether animals can even be regarded as persons. The meaning of animal rights, position of animals under law of torts, provision of animals on the highway along with the Scienter Rule, position of animals under criminal laws and the principles of ownership of animals are minutely discussed in this chapter. Next Chapter “Animals in International Law” prescribes guidelines of the World Health Organization of Animal Health (OIE) on the five freedoms of animal welfare. The role of the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, the World Health Organization for animal health Internal League for Animal Rights, The European Unions Convention on Animal Protection and various other international conventions for wild animals have been highlighted here. In the next chapter, “Constitutional Position of Animals in India”, the Entries of State List, Union List and the Concurrent List of our Constitution relating to animals, birds and fisheries are the main themes. The Right to Life of animals under Article 21, animal husbandry and prohibition of cow slaughter under Article 48, safeguarding the wildlife under Article 48A, compassion for living creatures under Article 51A(g) of the constitution have been analyzed here. Chapter five is “Cattle Preservation and Livestock Improvement” where the author emphasizes the provisions of cattle and livestock under various Entries of the Lists of the Constitution, registration of cattle premises along with the’ Goshalas and Gosadans with various relevant judgments. Which of the following is true about the animals?

Options:

A) There are no laws on animals in India

B) There are laws on animals in India, but no international laws on animals

C) There are neither laws on animals in India, nor international laws on animals

D) In India, there are not only laws on animals but they also have rights.