AWBI withdraws ‘Cow Hug Day’ appeal
- The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) recently withdrew its February 6 appeal urging people to celebrate February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day’.
- The appeal invited criticism from farmers’ organisations and trade unions that such a circular was against the promotion of scientific temper.
- The appeal was withdrawn after directions from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Appeal from AWBI claimed that hugging cows will bring “emotional richness” and will increase “individual and collective happiness.”
Animal Welfare Board of India
- It is a statutory advisory body under the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale pioneered the setting up of the Board, with its Headquarters in Chennai.
- Headquarters was shifted to Ballabhgarh, Haryana from Chennai in 2018.
Mandate
- To prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals, in terms of the provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
- It has also frequently litigated to have stricter laws to ensure animals were not unduly harassed or tortured.
- The Board grants recognition to newly started Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) and provides financial assistance to them.
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.
Prelims Take Away
- Animal welfare Board of India