Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)non-justiciable guidelines for the state mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country'.

Article 51A(g) of the Fundamental Dutiesmoral obligations of citizens states that it is the duty of every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures'.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 is the primary legislation, establishing the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and defining various forms of cruelty.

The AWBI is a statutory advisory body that promotes animal welfare and advises the government on animal welfare laws.

Various rules under the PCA Act, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and Livestock Market Rules, 2017, regulate specific aspects.

The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 protects wild animals, birds, and plants, but its primary focus is on conservation of species and habitats, not general welfare of all animals.

Supreme Court judgments, such as in the Jallikattu case, have emphasized the constitutional mandate for animal welfare and the 'five freedoms' for animals (freedom from hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behaviour).

Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)non-justiciable guidelines for the state mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country'.

Article 51A(g) of the Fundamental Dutiesmoral obligations of citizens states that it is the duty of every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures'.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 is the primary legislation, establishing the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and defining various forms of cruelty.

The AWBI is a statutory advisory body that promotes animal welfare and advises the government on animal welfare laws.

Various rules under the PCA Act, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and Livestock Market Rules, 2017, regulate specific aspects.

The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 protects wild animals, birds, and plants, but its primary focus is on conservation of species and habitats, not general welfare of all animals.

Supreme Court judgments, such as in the Jallikattu case, have emphasized the constitutional mandate for animal welfare and the 'five freedoms' for animals (freedom from hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behaviour).