Animal Protection Index: India ranks second

On March 12, 2020, Global Animal Protection Index 2020 was released by World Animal Protection, an international animal welfare charity. India was ranked second in the index.

Highlights

The Animal Protection Index ranks countries from A to G. India was ranked along with Spain, Mexico, France and New Zealand. In other words, these countries were ranked equally to India. According to the index, they were best performing countries. There are strong laws to protect animals in these countries. However, the laws are not as strict to protect dairy animals.

India

The index highlighted the works that are required to be done in India to include dairy animals under protection. Also, the index suggested to improve cruelty considerations in the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act, 1960. Under the act, animals used in scientific research are exempted. Rather Government shall issue guidelines on usage of animals for scientific research.

About the Index

The Index assessed the legislation of 50 countries. It highlighted lack of adequacy in the animal welfare laws globally. The main aim of the index was to help countries to put animal welfare practices of keeping them clean and accommodate sufficient space for them to exhibit their natural behaviours.

Global Ranking

According to the index, the countries that performed weakly included Iran, Morocco, Algeria and Belarus. These countries are missing the basic legal framework.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020