About Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):
- It is a statutory body set up in 1962 in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
- It was started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale, a well-known humanitarian.
- The mandate of the Board is to promote animal welfare in general and to protect animals from being subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering, in particular.
- Headquarters: Ballabhgarh in Haryana
- It advises state and central governments on the issues related to animal welfare, including cruelty meted out to animals.
- The AWBI periodically addresses the letters to the State Governments and UTs regarding the complaints received and requests them to take necessary action against the offenders as per law.
- The State Authorities are empowered to initiate appropriate action against the offenders meting out cruelty to animals and to take action as per the law.
- AWBI also gives financial assistance and other assistance to Animal Welfare Organisations functioning in any local area, to impart education in relation to the humane treatment of animals and so on.
- Membership:
- The Board consists of 28 Members.
- The term of office of Members is for a period of 3 years.
- Several government organisations, along with animal rights activists and parliamentarians, are represented on the Board.
