Section 25: Power to Enter Premises

Overview

Section 25 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, gives authorized individuals – typically animal welfare officers or police – the right to enter places where performing animals are housed, trained, or displayed. This allows them to check if the animals are being treated humanely and if the owners have the necessary registration certificates as required by the Act.

Key Provisions

• Right of Entry & Inspection: Authorised persons and specified police officers can enter any premises where performing animals are kept, trained, or exhibited.
• Demand for Documents: They have the power to ask the owner or person in charge to show them the registration certificate for the performing animal. This ensures compliance with the registration requirements of the Act.
• Who is Authorised?: The Act doesn’t explicitly define ‘authorised person’ within Section 25 itself; this is usually specified through rules framed by the State Government. Generally, it includes animal welfare officers appointed by the government.

Practical Impact

This section empowers authorities to proactively monitor the welfare of performing animals. It acts as a deterrent against cruelty by allowing for unannounced inspections. For animal owners and trainers, it means they must maintain proper records (registration certificates) and ensure their practices comply with the Act. For citizens, it provides a mechanism for reporting suspected cruelty, knowing that authorities have the power to investigate.

Examples

• Example 1: Routine Check An animal welfare officer receives information about a circus operating in a town. Under Section 25, the officer can enter the circus grounds during operating hours to inspect the animals’ living conditions and verify that the circus has valid registration certificates for each performing animal.
• Example 2: Suspected Cruelty A local resident reports concerns about a bear being mistreated during a street performance. A police officer, along with an animal welfare officer, can enter the premises where the bear is kept (even if it’s a temporary setup) to investigate the allegations and demand the owner’s registration certificate. If the bear shows signs of injury or neglect, further action can be taken under other sections of the Act.