Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Maharashtra Amendment) Act, 2017 (Maharashtra Act No. XLV of 2017).

This Act amends the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to the extent of its application in Maharashtra. In Section 2 of the Act, a new clause (bb) is added after clause (b) containing the definition of bullock cart race. Section 3 of the Act is amended to allow for bullock cart race to be conducted with the prior permission of the Collector, subject to the condition that no pain or suffering is caused to the animal by any person and subject to such other conditions as may be prescribed by rules under section 38B by the state government. Any person conducting such race in contravention of this provision shall be punished with fine or imprisonment. Section 11 is amended to add a clause (c-1) which states that conduct of such race is with a view to follow and promote tradition and culture and to ensure preservation of native breeds of bulls as also their purity, safety, security and wellbeing. Further, sections 22 and 27 are amended and new sections 28A and 38B are inserted.