Section 24: Power of Court to Prohibit or Restrict Exhibition and Training

Overview

Section 24 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, gives a court the power to stop or regulate performances and training of animals if these activities cause them unnecessary pain or suffering. Essentially, it allows a magistrate to intervene when an animal is being treated cruelly for entertainment or show purposes.

Key Provisions

• Magistrate’s Power: A magistrate (a judicial officer) can prohibit (completely ban) or impose conditions on the training or exhibition of performing animals.
• Complaint Required: This power is exercised only upon receiving a complaint from an authorized officer – someone appointed to enforce the Act (like an Inspector).
• Unnecessary Pain or Suffering: The prohibition or conditions apply only if the training or exhibition involves unnecessary pain or suffering to the animal.
• Record Keeping: Any order made by the magistrate is recorded on the animal’s registration certificate and is also communicated to the registering authority. This ensures transparency and proper tracking.

Practical Impact

This section impacts several parties. Citizens can report instances of animal cruelty during performances to authorized officers, triggering potential legal action. Animal trainers and exhibitors must ensure their practices do not cause unnecessary pain or suffering, or risk having their performances banned or restricted. Government authorities (through authorized officers) are responsible for investigating complaints and initiating proceedings before the magistrate. The registering authority maintains records of any restrictions placed on specific animals.

Examples

• Example 1: A circus is training a bear to ride a bicycle by using harsh physical punishment. An authorized officer observes this and files a complaint with the magistrate. The magistrate, finding the training methods cruel, prohibits the circus from continuing this particular act.
• Example 2: A street performer is using a monkey to collect money, and the monkey appears distressed and is kept in a small, cramped cage. An authorized officer complains. The magistrate might not ban the performance entirely but could impose conditions, such as requiring a larger, more comfortable cage, regular veterinary check-ups, and prohibiting any forceful handling of the monkey.