Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

About:

• AWBI is a statutory advisory body under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying)
• It derives its legal structure from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• It was established in 1962
• It was started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian.
• Headquarters: Chennai
• Mandate:
  • It frames rules on how animals ought to be humanely treated everywhere.
  • It has also frequently litigated to have stricter laws to ensure animals were not unduly harassed or tortured.
• Membership:
  • Several government organisations, along with animal rights activists and parliamentarians, are represented on the Board.
  • The Board consists of 28 Members.
  • The term of office of Members is for a period of 3 years.