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Cruelty to animals — beating, poisoning, killing, or strays and pets troubled
Killing, poisoning or maiming any animal is a crime with up to five years in jail. Report it to the police the same day and keep photos and the vet’s report.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 punishes killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal with up to 5 years’ imprisonment, fine, or both, and the police must register it. Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 makes beating, torturing or causing unnecessary suffering an offence (its fines are small, so ask that BNS s.325 be added where an animal is killed or maimed). Stray dogs are handled under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023: they are sterilised, vaccinated and returned to the same area, not relocated or killed; the Supreme Court’s stray-dog case (from 2025) also deals with feeding spots and dangerous dogs, so check your city’s current rules. The Animal Welfare Board of India has advised that housing societies cannot ban pets.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- Photos and video of the animal and the place, with date and time
The main proof. - Vet’s report or post-mortem showing injury or poisoning
Proves cruelty or poisoning. - CCTV footage from society, shops or homes nearby
Identifies the person. - Names and numbers of witnesses
Supports the FIR. - FIR copy (ask for BNS section 325 if an animal was killed or maimed)
Starts the criminal case. - Society notice, bylaw, fine or message about pets or feeding
Shows the restriction you are challenging. - Written complaint to the Animal Welfare Board of India or your state animal welfare board
They can advise societies and authorities and follow up on cruelty. - Written complaint to the municipality / animal welfare officer
Relocation or culling of strays is against the ABC Rules.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- What happened?
- Which animal?
- Has it been reported to the police?
- Do you know who did it?
Sources
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 — section 11
- Animal Welfare Board of India (official site) — Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
Common situations
- Someone poisoned the street dogs
- Neighbour beats his dog
- Municipality taking away street dogs
- Stopped from feeding street animals
- Society says no pets allowed
- Cattle abandoned or kept starving
- Someone hit and killed my pet with a vehicle
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