The Bench observed that animals experience pain, stress and fear like humans, while noting that the existing legal framework continues to treat animals largely as objects or property.
It also expressed concern over the penalties prescribed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, observing that fines for certain acts of cruelty can be as low as ₹10 to ₹50.
“Since these fines are so low, there is almost no fear of the law, which is why we see people committing acts of abuse just to post videos on social media for views. While the courts have agreed that animals deserve to live without suffering, the written law has not changed enough yet. For real change to happen, the law needs to officially recognize the animal feelings and replace those tiny fines with strict jail time and heavy penalties,” the Court observed.