New Delhi, Nov 29, : .The Delhi High Court expressed its dissatisfaction Monday over the inattention of the Animal Welfare Board of India in a matter relating to captive animals kept at zoos.
It said it will not hesitate in initiating contempt proceedings. Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh were hearing two petitions from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in India (PETA) and the Federation for Indian Animal Protection Organisationss (FIAPO).
The court expressed concern about the captive animals but pointed out that they can be fatal if they are not taken care of.
PETA had requested an immediate ban by the Centre on the use animals in circuses.The Centre informed The Performing Animals Registeration (Amendment), Rules, 2018.
Priya Hingorani, petitioner’s counsel, stated that animals are often abused and used as weapons in circuses.
These circuses frequently violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules of 2001, and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, among others.
It was submitted that the PETA-India has been awaiting a reply to the application since January 2021, and that the respondents have not yet filed any reply.
FIAPO attempted to rescue circus animals from the Covid-19 pandemic.It also challenged Sections 21 to 27, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, to the extent they allow exhibition and training of animals for or in relation to circus acts.
These sections will be challenged to ensure that animals are not used in circuses.
The pleas sought to find out the condition of animals in circuses or zoos that were closed during the pandemic.
The bench also requested that the Secretary, AWBI be present at the next hearing.They also requested a status report.
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