Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Q1. A circus operator causes elephants to perform tricks that require painful training methods. Under the PCA Act, this would most likely constitute:

1. A permitted activity because circus performances are traditional entertainment
2. Cruelty, because using an animal in any performance causing it unnecessary pain is listed as cruelty under Section 11
3. A permitted exemption because performing animals are covered by a separate regulation
4. Cruelty only if the trainer actually beats the elephants in front of the audience

Q2. A farmer dehorns his cattle to prevent injury to other animals in the herd. Is this cruelty under the PCA Act?

1. Yes, because causing physical pain to an animal is always cruelty
2. No, the dehorning of cattle is specifically exempted from the definition of cruelty
3. Yes, unless the farmer uses an anaesthetic during the procedure
4. No, because veterinary procedures are always exempt from the Act

Q3. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established to:

1. Prosecute persons who commit cruelty to animals
2. Advise the Central Government on amendments to the Act and on the prevention of cruelty
3. Run animal shelters and sanctuaries across India
4. Issue licences for zoos, circuses, and other establishments using animals

Q4. The Supreme Court has connected animal welfare to Article 21 of the Constitution by holding that:

1. Animals are legal persons with the same constitutional rights as humans
2. Animals have a right to live without unnecessary pain, reading animal welfare provisions through the lens of Article 21
3. The right to life under Article 21 extends to all living creatures, including plants
4. Cruelty to animals is a violation of the right to equality because animals cannot defend themselves

Q5. Which of the following is NOT listed as cruelty under Section 11 of the PCA Act?

1. Causing an animal to fight
2. Employing an animal that is unfit for work
3. Keeping an animal in conditions causing unnecessary suffering
4. Killing an animal for food when it is legally permitted