Laws Protecting Dog Feeders in India
Section 503 of Indian Penal Code 1860
Threatening or intimidating someone who cares for dogs is a serious crime in India, punishable under Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code. It is a cognizable offence, meaning the police can arrest the offender without a warrant.
Section 506 of Indian Penal Code 1860
Anyone intimidating a feeder commits a criminal offence and faces up to two years in prison, a fine, or both penalties.
I.P.C. Section 428 and 429
This imposes significant penalties, including up to 5 years of imprisonment, for individuals engaging in dislocation, abduction, or acts of cruelty towards community animals or pets.
Section 115 BNS
Whoever performs any act intending to cause hurt to any person (the feeder in this case), or knowing that he is likely to cause hurt to any person, and causes hurt to any person, is said to “voluntarily cause hurt” and shall face imprisonment for a term of up to one year, a fine of up to ten thousand rupees, or both.
Section 126 BNS
Whoever wrongfully restrains any person, such as a feeder in this case, shall face simple imprisonment for a term of up to one month, a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both penalties.
Section 129 BNS
Whoever intentionally uses force against any person (the feeder in this case) without that person’s consent, in order to commit any offence, or intends to cause, or knows it is likely that by using such force he will cause injury, fear, or annoyance to the person on whom he uses the force, is said to use criminal force against that other person and shall face punishment of imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months, a fine that may extend to one thousand rupees, or both.
Section 131 BNS
Whoever assaults or uses criminal force against any person (the feeder in this case) without grave and sudden provocation from that person shall face punishment of either description, with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months, a fine that may extend to one thousand rupees, or both.
Section 351 BNS
Whoever threatens another feeder by any means with injury to that person's body, reputation, or property, or to the body or reputation of anyone in whom that person is interested, with the intent to cause alarm, or to compel that person to perform an act that he is not legally bound to do, or to refrain from performing an act that he is legally entitled to do as a means of avoiding the execution of such a threat, commits criminal intimidation and will face punishment of imprisonment for a term that may extend to two years, or a fine, or both.
Section 352 BNS
Anyone who intentionally insults another person, particularly a feeder in this instance, and provokes them with the intention or knowledge that such provocation may lead to a breach of public peace or any other offense, may face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
All forms of animal cruelty are considered criminal offenses, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. The Indian Penal Code contains similar provisions.
The Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, measures have been established for sterilization and vaccination to help stabilize and reduce stray dog populations while eliminating the risk of rabies. The act also prohibits the relocation of stray dogs, meaning they cannot be removed or driven from one area to another. The Supreme Court of India has issued an order that prohibits the removal, dislocation, or killing of all dogs.
Under Stray Dog Management Rules 2001
It is against the law for individuals, RWAs, or establishments to remove or relocate dogs. These dogs must be sterilized and vaccinated before being returned to their original area. Additionally, vaccinated and sterilized dogs cannot be removed by the municipality.
Article 51-A (g)
Every citizen of India has the responsibility to protect and enhance the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to show compassion for all living beings. This principle also extends protection to those who nourish these environments.
Article 19 of the Constitution of India
It pertains to the right to freedom. This freedom encompasses the right to engage in professions, occupations, trades, and businesses. Therefore, if an individual has chosen animal care as their occupation, it is legal, and they have every right to pursue this profession.
Article 21 of the Constitution of India
It emphasizes the right to personal life and liberty. If someone wishes to feed and shelter dogs, they are free to do so.