Cruelty to Animals Act, 1920 (Act No. I of 1920).

This Act provides for the protection of any domestic or captive animal from cruelty, abuse, neglect or overwork. Overloading an animal is punishable with a fine or jail term (section 5). Animal fighting is considered an offence as per section 11. Animals affected by infectious and contagious diseases are forbidden free circulation and, if disabled or ill, they have to be in custody of their owner or keeper (sect. 12). When animals are in a terminal condition, any Police Officer, in the absence of its owner or keeper, may summon a Veterinary Inspector in order to evaluate the animal health conditions and, if the Veterinary Inspector approves of it, have the animal finished off. Offenders shall be fined or jailed depending on the seriousness of the offence.