Faculty Coordinator: Ms. Rajalaxmi Joshi
The Animal Law Cell was started in the academic year 2015-16. It was established with the sole objective of creating awareness and to sensitize the public about animal laws, welfare and rights by means of meeting/discussions on a weekly basis, on ground activities, other modes such as research projects, guest lecture etc.
This year, the cell was active for both the semesters. Activities Undertaken: Starting from the first semester, there were many activities that were undertaken by the Animal Law Cell, for the academic year 2016-17. ‘Unlocking the Cage’, an American documentary/film by D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, was screened to the members of the cell, where portrayal of Steven Wise’s efforts to achieve legal rights for non-human animals and the work of the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) were shown.
A long and healthy group discussion was held on issue of ‘Street Dogs killing’. The Cell conducted a discussion on ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the other allied laws.’
Notable contribution: Recently the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change drafted rules under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2016. The Ministry has published the rules and has invited comments on the said rules from institutions and animal welfare organizations etc. The Cell undertook this project and reviewed the draft rules. Ms. Bhavya Pande and Ms. Dipanwita Ghosh (V B.S.L.LL.B) were instrumental in completing the project. The Cell has also put forth various suggestions and recommended changes in the said rules and the same has been sent to the concerned ministry in form of a report in February 2017.