Federation of Indian Animals Protection Organisations (FIAPO) has informed the High Court of Delhi by submitting that the Zoological Authority of India is not administering proper care or monitoring the animals kept in captivity or in circus.
An NGO vocal for animal rights stated that of all the 29 circuses in India, only one is registered with the Zoological Authority of India. A plea was filed by FIAPO that challenged the valid status of Sections 21-27 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Act contending that they allow training of animals for circuses and for the purpose of exhibition.
PETA India and FIAPO had moved several petitions that sought issuance of specific directions to the Government of India, Zoological Authority of India, AWBI, RegisteredCircuses. The petitions were regarding prohibition of training and exhibition of animals for circuses. Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, appeared for FIAPO and submitted that the Zoological Authority of India did not conduct surveys of all the circuses but only 19. Further, adding that the show-cause notice was sent to only one circus.
The Court then asked the Zoological Authority of India to furnish an affidavit about the condition and status of the animals in captivity, from circuses running and from those too that are now shut.
