Serious crimes where police can arrest without a warrant. Under the BNSS, for cognizable offences, the police are legally bound to register an FIR immediately. In animal welfare, this includes high-level cruelty like killing, poisoning, or organized fighting (Section 325 BNS).

Less severe crimes that require a Magistrate’s warrant for arrest. Police record the complaint in the “NC Register” but cannot investigate or arrest without a court order. Common examples include neglect, chaining, or overworking an animal (Section 11 PCA Act).

The entire case is treated as Cognizable. As per Section 174(4) of the BNSS, if an incident involves a mix of minor (neglect) and major (maiming) acts, the police must treat the entire matter as cognizable, allowing for an immediate FIR and arrest.

Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine. Under Section 325 of the BNS 2023, killing, poisoning, or maiming any animal is a cognizable offence. Note: The new BNS has removed the “monetary value” requirement (previously ₹10 or ₹50), meaning harming any creature, regardless of its “worth,” carries the same 5-year maximum penalty.

Yes. Section 11(1)(h) of the PCA Act makes it a crime to fail to provide sufficient food, water, or shelter. Additionally, the PCA Amendment (2022/23) recognizes “Five Fundamental Freedoms” for animals, including freedom from hunger, thirst, and distress.

No, it is a Cognizable crime. Organising, managing, or even providing a venue for animal fights (like cockfights or dogfights) is prohibited under Section 11(1)(n) of the PCA Act. Because it is cognizable, police can raid these events and arrest organizers on the spot.

Yes. Section 11(1)(f) of the PCA Act prohibits keeping an animal on an “unreasonably short or heavy chain” for an “unreasonable period.” The law requires that animals be given “reasonable opportunity for movement” and exercise.

Yes. Under Section 11(1)(b), employing an animal that is unfit due to age, disease, or wounds is a crime. This also covers “Overloading”—there are specific Load Rules that define the maximum weight a bullock or horse can pull; exceeding these is a punishable act.

Yes. Section 11(1)(i) and (j) of the PCA Act penalizes abandoning an animal in a situation where it is likely to suffer or leaving a diseased/disabled animal to die in the street. Owners are legally responsible for the animal’s well-being until its natural death.

No. Feeding is a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(g). The Ministry of Public Grievances and the AWBI have issued notifications prohibiting Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) from harassing feeders. Harassment can be prosecuted as Criminal Intimidation.

No, relocation is strictly illegal. Under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023, dogs must be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to the exact same spot they were picked up. Relocating them is a violation of Supreme Court mandates and causes fatal territorial conflicts.