A Critical Analysis of Animal Protection Laws with Special Reference to Sexual Violence Against Animals in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37591/njel.v8i1.1753Keywords:
Animal Protection Laws, Sexual Violence, Legal Reform, Animal Rights, Sociological Impact, Problematic LegislativeAbstract
Sexual violence against both community and pet animals is increasingly evident in our communities, and that calls for the reconsideration of the status of animal protection legislation in India. Upon analyzing the case studies, acts and literature reviews, the paper aims at setting the inadequacies and loopholes in the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS), arguing that there must be robust and precise laws against sexual assault on animals after the complete omission of Section 377 of IPC. The subject of the study includes a comparison of international animal protection laws, their advantages, and specific legal systems that need to be implemented to enhance domestic laws. Finally, the paper emphasizes the link between animal cruelty and violence towards humans, trying to comprehend what causes such behavior in people and investigate how these crimes affect societies. In addition, the paper outlines the urgency to amend the existing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The act was enacted to serve animals but in the present date it has many limitations and the act has failed to address many present-day issues like gruesome cruelty committed against animals. It is a need of the hour to bring strong provisions to punish the offenders who commit cruelty towards animals, improve the training of law enforcement agencies, and increase awareness of animal rights and animal suffering. It stresses readability and calls for contribution from other branches, mainly the legal and social sciences, psychology and sociology, to design a solid legal and social framework capable of discouraging and sanctioning sexual violence against animals. This critical analysis is intended for policymakers, legal practitioners, organizations defending animal rights/ animal welfare and justice, and people concerned about the well-being of the animals and society worldwide to call for change NOW.
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