Animals Act, 1953.

The purpose of this Act is to control the import and export of animals and birds; to prevent the spreading of diseases; to prevent cruelty to animals; to control the movement or slaughter of livestock; and to conserve and improve the general welfare of animals.
Any person wishing to import or export any animal or bird shall apply for a licence to a State Director and act in accordance with the licence’s conditions. It shall be prohibited to import or export diseased animals or birds. The Act makes provision for the disposal of animals which have died from disease, and for the declaration of infected areas, disease control areas and disease eradication areas. Other provisions relate to dogs, dog licences, rabies infected areas, anti-rabies vaccination. The Act further provides for the following: penalties for cruelty to any beast, bird, fish, reptile or insect, whether wild or tame; licensing, control, supervision and inspection of places in which animals or birds are or may be kept in captivity for sale, export or exhibition; powers of search, seizure and arrest on behalf of any veterinary authority or veterinary police officer; etc.