Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1960 to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals. As per the provisions of the law the government of India formed the Animal Welfare Board of India.

The act however makes a provision under heading [Chapter VI, Heading 28] "Saving as respects manner of killing prescribed by religion" : Nothing contained in this Act shall render it an offence to kill any animal in a manner required by the religion of any community.