HC direction to TN govt to evolve rules to regulate SPCA

Chennai, Jun 7 (UNI) Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu Government to set up and regulate Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) rules within three months.

A Division Bench comprising Mr Justice Dharma Rao Elipe and Mr Justice S Palanivelu gave the above directive while disposing of a petition by Advocate G Rajendran, seeking a direction to establish SPCA in every district by implementing the notification dated March 26, 2001 regarding the establishment and regulation of the SPCA rules of 2001.

According to the petitioner, the Centre, in exercise of its power conferred by sections 1 and 2 of section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 made the establishment and regulation of SPCA Rules of 2001 and by which, the State Government should establish SPCA in each district within six months from the date of commencement of the Rules.

Though the notification was issued on January 1, 2001, the said rules have not been implemented properly by the collectors of each district. It was mandatory on the part of the collector to implement the scheme as the state government has not taken proper action in implementing the notification dated March 26, 2001.

In its order, the Bench said the petition was filed in the year 2002 and five years had lapsed . No counter had been filed regarding any steps taken by the state government in respect of the notification, dated March 26, 2001. In such circumstances, we consider it appropriate to direct the Revenue Secretary and Secretary to Department of Animal Husbandary, to take necessary action for implementing the notification regarding the establishment and regulation of the SPCA rules of 2001 within a period of three months+, the Bench added.

UNI