Section 15A: Sub-committees

Overview

Section 15A of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, empowers the Animal Welfare Board of India (the Committee) to create smaller groups – called sub-committees – to help it carry out its duties more efficiently. These sub-committees can have specific tasks and ways of working, decided by the main Committee. Essentially, it allows the Board to delegate responsibilities for better oversight of animal welfare.

Key Provisions

• Power to Constitute Sub-committees: The Animal Welfare Board has the authority to form sub-committees as needed.
• Defining Functions & Procedures: The Board decides what each sub-committee will do and how they will operate. This includes setting rules for meetings, investigations, and reporting.
• Delegation of Tasks: The Board can assign specific responsibilities related to animal welfare supervision to these sub-committees. This allows for a more focused and detailed approach to different areas of concern.

Practical Impact

This section impacts the Animal Welfare Board primarily, allowing it to manage its workload and expertise more effectively. It indirectly affects citizens, businesses (like pharmaceutical companies conducting animal testing – though increasingly regulated), and government authorities involved in animal welfare by ensuring more thorough and specialized supervision of activities that could potentially cause cruelty to animals. It enables the Board to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging issues.

Examples

• Example 1: The Animal Welfare Board might create a sub-committee specifically focused on inspecting laboratories that conduct animal experimentation. This sub-committee would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and related rules.
• Example 2: A sub-committee could be formed to investigate complaints of illegal animal fights. This sub-committee might include veterinary experts, law enforcement officials, and animal welfare activists, and would have the authority to gather evidence, conduct raids, and recommend prosecution.