THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO DRAUGHT AND PACK ANIMALS RULES, 1965

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, the same having been previously published as required by sub-section (i) of that section, namely:-

1. Short title and commencement -

(1)    These rules may be called the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965.

(2)    They shall come into force in any State on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. Definitions -  (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, -

(a)               "large bullock" or "large buffalo" respectively means a bullock or buffalo the weight of which exceeds 250 Kg., but does not exceed 350 kilograms;

(b)               "medium bullock" or "medium buffalo" respectively means a bullock or buffalo the weight of which exceeds 250 kilograms, but does not exceed 350 kilograms;

(c)                "small bullock" or  "small buffalo" respectively means a bullock or buffalo the weight of which does not exceed 250 kilogram;

(d)              "street" includes any way, road, lane, square, alley or passage, whether a thoroughfare or not, over which the public have a right of way;

(e)               "vehicle" means a wheeled conveyance of any description which is capable of being used as such on any street.

3.  General Conditions for use of draught and pack animals -  No person shall use or cause to be used any animal for      drawing any vehicle or carrying any load-

(i)       for more than nine hours in a day in the aggregate;

(ii)     for more than five hours continuously without a break or rest for the   

        animal;

(iii)  in any area where the temperature exceeds 37 C (99 F) during the period between 12 noon and 3:00 p.m.

4.   Animals to be disengaged after work - No person shall continue to keep or cause to be kept in harness any animal       used for the purpose of drawing vehicles, after it is no longer needed for such purpose.

5.  Use of spiked bits prohibited - No person shall, for the purpose of driving or riding an animal or causing it to draw      any vehicle or for otherwise controlling it, use any spiked stick or bit, harness or yoke with spikes, knobs or      projections or any other sharp tackle or equipment which causes or is likely to cause bruises, swellings, abrasions or      severe pain to the animal

6.  Saddling of horses - No person shall cause a horse to be saddled in such a way that the harness rests directly on      the animal's withers without there being sufficient clearance between the arch or the saddle and the withers.

7.  Powers of Police Officers and other authorized persons – (1)  If any police officer above the rank of a constable or      any other person authorized in this behalf by the State Government or by the Board by general or special order has      reason to believe that an offence against rule 3 or 4, has been or is being committed in respect of any animal      referred to therein, he may, in any case where a weighbridge is available within a reasonable distance, require the      owner or other person in charge of such animal to take the animal or the vehicle or both to the weighbridge for the      purpose of determining the weight of the load which the animal has been or is drawing or carrying.

(2)  If the owner or other person in charge of the aforesaid animal refuses to comply with the demand of the police       officer or other person as so authorized, it shall be lawful for such police officer or other person to take the animal or       the vehicle or both to the weighbridge for the purpose aforesaid.

(3)  As soon as any weight is determined under this rule, the owner or other person in charge of the said animal shall be       given a statement in writing signed by the police officer or the person authorized as aforesaid, as the case may be,       as to the weight so determined and any other information relevant for the purpose.