Protest Using Animals Is Cruelty, Violation Of Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act - Madras HC

The Madras High Court has held that an act of democratic protest with the use of animals would amount to cruelty of the animals and violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The Bench of Justice N Sathish Kumar observed thus "…this Court is of the view that to make such democratic protest, animals need not be subjected to cruelty."

"…Such act itself would amount to cruelty of the animals and violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.", the Court added further.

This observation came while the Court was dealing with a petition from a man who sought permission to conduct protest with a buffalo.

Advocate R. Thirumoorthy appeared for the petitioner whereas Additional Public Prosecutor E.Raj Thilak represented the State.

The Court expressed that the prayer as sought for by the petitioner cannot be permitted as such act would amount to animal cruelty.

"…the prayer as sought for by the petitioner to take buffalo or any other animal and keep them from morning to evening cannot be permitted.", the Court held.

However, on a submission made by the Counsel for the Petitioner for permission to conduct democratic protest without any animal being taken there, the Court observed thus "…the respondent police is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner and grant permission in the place earmarked by the police with all usual conditions."

Cause Title- K Muthu v. The State & Anr.

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