Animal cruelty on TV banned

NEW DELHI: The Union government has now banned the screening of any visuals depicting cruelty to animals on television, soon after many television channels showed horrific scenes of dogs being burnt alive and another dog being flung from a terrace.

The Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 have been amended to ban the screening of any content that "depicts cruelty or violence towards animals in any form or provides unscientific belief that causes harm to animals." This adds to a list of content, as per a 'programming code', that cannot be shown on TV networks - the last addition to this list was banning the live coverage of counter-terror operations. TV networks can face a fine and criminal action if they act in contravention of stipulated programming code.

This new provision will also apply to films shown on TV. The Animal Welfare Board Of India (AWBI) has also been pressing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that films shot inside India by local filmmakers or outside India by foreign filmmakers and imported into India should seek a NOC from AWBI to ascertain that no animal was harmed during the film. WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi had also asked the MIB to ensure the same recently.

The Shyam Benegal Committee that submitted its report on the Cinematograph Act in April had sought more time to give recommendations on issues relating to clearances to be obtained from AWBI under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.