Three decades of action for animals. Every card is a change worth fighting for.

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Policies & achievements · since 1994Scroll to the record ↓

0fronts worked at once

0decades of it, from 1994

001

A pristine white rabbit with pink eyes and long ears lies calmly on a smooth pastel pink surface

Helped end cosmetic testing on animals in India

PFA’s campaign contributed to India becoming one of the first countries in the world to prohibit cosmetic testing on animals (2014) and to ban the import of animal-tested cosmetics.

Courts & law2014

002

A grey reef shark moves gracefully above a coral reef in clear, sunlit tropical waters

Secured a ban on the export of shark fins

Advocated for an end to shark-fin exports, and in 2015 the Government prohibited the export of shark fins of all species, a ban subsequently upheld in court.

Wildlife & shows2015

003

A large herd of brown camels moves along a paved road bordered by green trees, their long legs and distinctive humps clearly visible

Protected Rajasthan's camels

Campaigned for the camel's recognition as Rajasthan's State Animal and for the 2015 State law prohibiting camel slaughter and regulating their movement and export.

Farmed animals2015

004

The SynFrog Frog Dissection Model offers an anatomically accurate, synthetic alternative for biological training

Advocated for the ban on animal dissection in schools

PFA’s legal and policy action led the Government of India to ban dissection for school students, implemented in 1998.

Testing & labs1998

005

Suresh Kumar, Humane Society International/India’s senior animal care officer, carefully positions a female street dog on a stainless steel operating table

Shaped India's community-dog (ABC) framework

Assisted the Government of India to develop the Animal Birth Control Rules of 2001 and 2023, and have supported States and municipalities to implement scientific sterilisation and anti-rabies programmes.

Courts & law2001

006

A veterinarian from the Friendicoes Equine Program kneels beside a black mule inside a rustic shelter, carefully examining its hind leg

Delivered frontline veterinary care on the Char Dham route

Transformed equine welfare on the Kedarnath Yatra. Since 2024 PFA has delivered veterinary care, health screening and rescue for working equines, by operating an equine infirmary at Rudraprayag. PFA’s advocacy led the Uttarakhand High Court to direct mandatory registration, rest periods, a ban on operations between sunset and sunrise, and mandatory health check of animals before deployment.

Courts & law2024

007

A dedicated rescuer from Cloud 9 Animal Care & Rehabilitation Centre navigates a narrow wooden boat through floodwaters, carefully loading several wet and anxious dogs aboard

Put animals into India's disaster response

After leading the rescue of more than 6,000 animals in the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, PFA assisted the National Disaster Management Authority to develop Animal-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction guidelines.

Policy & systems2013

008

A white laboratory mouse is nestled inside a bright red plastic hut within a transparent cage, surrounded by white bedding and wood shavings

Drove reform of laboratory-animal use

PFA’s sustained campaign contributed to major reforms in India's laboratory-animal regulation and earned international recognition through the Lush Prize.

Testing & labs

009

A white government building stands with a prominent red sandstone arch labeled “EAST GATE” and “पूर्वी द्वार,” marking the entrance to the Animal Welfare Board of India premises

Pushed States to build real animal-welfare institutions

Campaigned nationwide for functional State Animal Welfare Boards, working with every State on the long-pending directive and moving the Supreme Court to require their establishment.

Courts & law

010

Four standardized food labels introduced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) use distinct shapes and colors to indicate dietary categories

Helped consumers make informed choices

Assisted the Government of India to introduce the mandatory vegetarian and non-vegetarian symbols (red and green dots) on packaged food products.

Policy & systems

011

Humane Society International/India and partner organizations intervened at the Indo-Nepal border to save over 750 animals destined for the Gadhimai festival slaughter

Stopped the illegal cross-border animal-sacrifice trade at Gadhimai

In Gauri Maulekhi v. Union of India, PFA moved the Supreme Court, which in 2014 directed authorities to halt the illegal transport of animals across the India-Nepal border for mass sacrifice, establishing a lasting precedent for protecting animals trafficked across international borders. With the Government of Bihar, PFA prevented the trafficking and ritual slaughter of about 700 animals ahead of Nepal's Gadhimai festival, working with the Sashastra Seema Bal from Motihari (30 November-9 December 2024) to intercept smuggling and provide emergency veterinary care.

Courts & law2014

012

A row of metal wire cages houses multiple beagle dogs on blue plastic grates, suggesting a kennel or breeding facility environment

Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017

Obtained directions from the Hon’ble Delhi High Court and assisted the Government of India to develop the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017, creating a national framework for commercial dog breeding and sale.

Courts & law2017

013

A vibrant scene unfolds at the historic Vaniyamkulam Cattle Market in Palakkad, Kerala, where farmers and traders convene every Thursday

Regulation of Livestock Markets Rules, 2017

Obtained directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court and assisted the Government of India to develop the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017, introducing welfare safeguards for the handling and sale of animals at livestock markets.

Courts & law2017

014

Two veterinarians in white coats carefully examine and treat a cow lying on sandbags within a fenced pen

Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals Rules, 2017

After securing directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court, PFA assisted the Government of India to develop the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017, protecting animals seized in cruelty cases during the pendency of proceedings.

Courts & law2017

015

A woman equipped with a smartphone and a colorful folder carefully examines stacked wire cages containing birds and rabbits in a small, cluttered pet shop

Pet Shop Rules, 2018

Obtained directions from the Hon’ble Delhi High Court and assisted the Government of India to develop the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, mandating registration and welfare standards for pet shops.

Courts & law2018

016

A group of brown cows lines up along a concrete trough inside a covered barn, each munching on fresh green fodder

Environmental rules for dairy farms and gaushalas

Advocated, through proceedings before the National Green Tribunal, for stronger environmental regulation of dairy farms and gaushalas, contributing to the Central Pollution Control Board's Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas (2020, revised 2021).

Courts & law2020

017

Under a raised concrete poultry shed, large piles of chicken litter and feathers blanket the ground

Environmental rules for poultry farms

Advocated, before the National Green Tribunal, for stronger environmental regulation of poultry farms, contributing to the Central Pollution Control Board's Guidelines for Environmental Management of Poultry Farms.

Courts & law

018

A spacious barn houses dozens of pigs in individual and group pens filled with golden straw bedding

The Package of Practice for Organised Pig Farms

Co-authored the Package of Practice for Organised Pig Farms, with the National Research Center on Pig, Guwahati. This serves as an SOP which promotes welfare of lakhs of pigs and scientific management practices to prevent cruelty.

Farmed animals

019

A herd of light-pink pigs of varying sizes grazes peacefully on a verdant pasture bathed in warm afternoon sunlight

Conditions improved for 10,000 pigs across 53 farms

Documented welfare violations at 53 pig farms and secured regulatory directions improving conditions for more than 10,000 pigs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Farmed animals

020

A line of mother pigs is held in individual metal gestation crates inside a large-scale barn

Confinement crates taken off IndiaMART

Facilitated the removal of approximately 1,000 confinement-crate listings from IndiaMART, curbing the sale of equipment used for intensive pig confinement.

Farmed animals

021

A spacious indoor barn features group-housed sows resting and moving freely on straw bedding

A scientific pig housing unit at Rishikesh

Established, with the Government of Uttarakhand and ICAR-NRCP, a Scientific Pig Housing Model Demonstration Unit in Rishikesh, and PFA train veterinary officers in humane, welfare-oriented pig farming.

Farmed animals

022

A training session under the ICAR-ATARI ARYA project brings rural youth together for hands-on learning in poultry rearing

31,000 poultry farmers reached across six States

Conducted more than 150 farm visits and 10 training programmes, reaching over 31,000 poultry farmers across six States with guidance on cage-free production.

Farmed animals

023

A trainee at the Sristi Foundation’s poultry unit carefully pours feed from a metal bowl into a red feeder as a group of brown and black chickens eagerly peck at the scattered g…

A cage-free poultry training facility in Tamil Nadu

Established a cage-free poultry demonstration and training facility in Tamil Nadu, and are developing a model cage-free farm and training centre with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and ICAR-CARI.

Farmed animals

024

A brown hen is nestled in a thick layer of golden straw, attentively brooding two light brown eggs beneath her

Twenty-five companies moved on cage-free eggs

Engaged more than 25 Indian and international companies on cage-free egg sourcing and brought farmers, retailers and institutional buyers together to grow cage-free supply.

Farmed animals

025

A group of cows picks through a dry, rocky expanse once submerged by the Yamuna River, now choked with discarded plastic bags and other debris

Illegal dairies off the Yamuna floodplains

Litigated before the National Green Tribunal against illegally operated dairies polluting the Yamuna floodplains, causing illegal dairy operations and unauthorised colonies to be removed.

Courts & law

026

A close-up view reveals multiple glass ampoules of Oxytocin Injection I.P

Sixteen hundred vials of spurious oxytocin seized

PFA’s intervention against the illegal use of spurious oxytocin in dairies contributed to enforcement action, including the seizure of around 1,600 vials, closure of illegal facilities and arrests.

Policy & systems

027

The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI) building in Izatnagar, Bareilly, features a pale peach and white exterior accented by a green roof

Science partnerships with ICAR and veterinary universities

Work with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (including ICAR-CARI, ICAR-NRCP and ICAR-CIFA) and veterinary universities to promote science-based, higher-welfare husbandry across poultry, pig and fish farming.

Farmed animals

028

A dedicated animal rescuer kneels by a green metal fence, gently stroking the head of a brown horse tagged for identification

The only equine infirmary at Rudraprayag

Manage the only equine infirmary at Rudraprayag in collaboration with the District Administration; the Uttarakhand High Court has recognised its role in caring for equines on the Kedarnath route. Government records placed before the Uttarakhand High Court recorded more than 21,000 equines screened and 3,482 treatments; its programme records report over 700 unfit equines kept off the track on medical grounds.

Courts & law

029

Gauri Maulekhi, a prominent animal welfare advocate, visits Uttarakhand’s only equine sanctuary where rescued horses and mules find refuge

Happy Home Sanctuary, no tie and no cage

Operate Happy Home Sanctuary at Chharba, Dehradun on a no-tie, no-cage model, currently caring for around 300 rescued animals, including working equines.

Working animals

030

A group of veterinarians and trainees gather around a stainless steel operating table draped in green cloth, performing a spay surgery on a sedated street dog

Phasewise ABC programmes in two States

Assisted the Governments of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to develop phasewise ABC programs with robust infrastructure, monitoring and budgetary allocation.

Community dogs

031

A team of veterinary doctors and assistants gather in a well-lit clinic room, each wearing surgical masks and gloves as they perform spay and neuter procedures on dogs laid out …

The country’s only approved ABC training centre

Assisted the Government of Uttar Pradesh in developing the country’s only Government approved training center in Lucknow.

Teaching

032

Government officials gathered in a wood-paneled conference room at the Rajasthan Secretariat in Jaipur to assess progress on stray dog population control

Seats on State ABC monitoring committees

Serve on ABC Monitoring Committees and advisory mechanisms in several States to support effective implementation.

Community dogs

033

A group of sun conures (Agapornis fischeri) with bright yellow, green, and orange feathers are housed in black wire cages on a market stall

Campaigned against the illegal wildlife trade at the Sonepur (Sonpur) fair in Bihar

Secured court directions to ban the sale of all wildlife at the fair.

Wildlife & shows

034

A white transport truck stands parked on an asphalt lot, its rear compartment converted into a raised metal cage housing two lions

Mobile zoos prohibited

A 1995 intervention against mini and mobile zoos contributed to the prohibition of mobile zoos and stronger regulation of animal exhibition and transport, and PFA assisted in closing illegal facilities and rescuing animals.

Wildlife & shows1995

035

Two muscular bulls, one light brown and the other dark, engage in a fierce head-to-head struggle on a dusty arena floor

Bull-fighting banned in Goa

Secured Bombay High Court directions in 1996 banning bull-fighting and other animal fights in Goa under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Courts & law1996

036

A professional film crew captures an equestrian sequence in a sandy outdoor arena surrounded by white wooden fencing and lush greenery

Film safeguards extended to shoots abroad

Advocated for India's animal-welfare safeguards to apply to Indian films using animals in sequences shot abroad, closing a loophole under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001.

Courts & law2001

037

A blonde woman in a brown trench coat kneels beside a cardboard box containing a scruffy white-and-gray dog, gently stroking its neck

Animals in film and television, monitored

Monitor the use of animals in films and television and take legal action against productions involving animal abuse.

Wildlife & shows

038

Three adult Asian elephants, Rhea, Mia, and Sita, stand side by side in a shaded enclosure, each grasping fresh green grass in their trunks

Circuses regulated and wild animals rescued

Worked with central and State authorities to regulate circuses and enforce the ban on prohibited wild animals, helping secure the rescue and rehabilitation of circus animals.

Wildlife & shows

039

A Bengal tiger stands on its hind legs inside a metal-barred ring, reaching for a whip held by a trainer in a red jacket

Wild animals prohibited as performers

Campaigned for the prohibition on using wild animals such as bears, tigers, lions, monkeys and panthers as performing animals.

Wildlife & shows

040

On a serene evening at Juhu Beach in Bombay, camels line the shoreline as families and tourists prepare for leisurely rides

Camels taken off Mumbai’s beaches

A 1994 petition removed camels from beach rides in Mumbai and returned them to their native habitat.

Courts & law1994

041

A jockey clad in red and white silks drives his dark bay horse toward the finish line at Saratoga Race Course

The whipping of racehorses regulated

Campaigned against the whipping of racehorses, leading to regulation on racecourses, with its representatives serving as welfare checkers at turf clubs.

Working animals

042

During the Sankranti festival in rural Andhra Pradesh, villagers gather to witness the thrilling Yedla Bandi Pandalu, or bullock cart races

Bullock-cart races prohibited in Andhra Pradesh

PFA’s campaign against bullock-cart races led to their prohibition in Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere; PFA also introduced maintenance standards and daily veterinary checks for horses on Chennai beaches and halted plans for ostrich slaughter farms in Karnataka.

Farmed animals

043

Late on August 7, Mangrulpir police, acting on a tip-off received by Station House Officer Sudhakar Adhe, raided open grounds along Savashini Road in Behelpura

Standing support to police on cruelty cases

Assist the police and competent authorities to respond to cruelty complaints, document violations, rescue animals in distress and pursue prosecutions, on a day to day basis, while working to improve awareness and implementation of animal-welfare laws.

Courts & law

044

A group of white cows is packed into a weathered metal transport cage mounted on a truck, their heads and bodies pressed against the rusted bars

Animal transport written into the Motor Vehicles Rules

Worked with the Ministry of Road Transport to include Rules for animal transport in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, which prevent the illegal, cruel and overcrowded transport of animals for slaughter.

Courts & law

045

During the devastating June 2013 Uttarakhand floods, volunteers and security forces worked tirelessly to save both pilgrims and animals stranded by the swollen Mandakini river

Six thousand mules evacuated in the 2013 floods

A long record of disaster rescue for working animals in Uttarakhand, during the 2013 floods PFA evacuated more than 6000 mules along a route rebuilt with Army assistance, and in the 2024 Kedarnath cloudburst PFA conducted a multi-day operation evacuating over hundreds of equines and establishing veterinary care camps, with the aid of the district administration.

Working animals2013

046

In a brightly lit research facility, two technicians clad in white gowns, hairnets, masks, and blue gloves stand before a bank of stainless steel animal cages

Hundreds of laboratories inspected

Served on laboratory ethics and monitoring committees; hundreds of laboratories have been inspected and thousands of animals rescued.

Testing & labs

047

A transparent microfluidic platform branded "HUMIMIC Chip2" is shown with four modular chambers, each sealed by clear caps and red O-rings

Replacement, reduction and refinement in testing

Advocate for the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use and promote non-animal alternatives in toxicity testing, sensitivity testing and veterinary education.

Testing & labs

048

In a collaborative effort to strengthen animal welfare enforcement, PETA India organized a three-hour workshop for nearly 100 officers of the Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar (MBV…

Five hundred police workshops across 25 States

Conducted more than 500 workshops for police across 25+ States on animal-protection law, including training officers at the Central Detective Training Institute.

Teaching

049

Judicial officers from across Maharashtra gather in a spacious, well-lit lecture hall for the Batch II refresher course held from August 2 to August 15, 2025

Judges and magistrates sensitised in 12 States

Sensitised judges and magistrates at judicial academies across 12 States and are training government veterinary, animal-husbandry and urban-development officials, the latter in partnership with the All India Institute of Local Self Government.

Teaching

050

A cohort of emerging animal welfare advocates gathers in a modern conference room, united under the banner “The Ahimsa Fellowship.” Participants, dressed in business casual atti…

The Ahimsa Fellowship in law and policy

Run the Ahimsa Fellowship, an animal-welfare law and policy in partnership with NALSAR University of Law, University of Delhi to strengthen animal-law education.

Courts & law

051

A man sits on a paved waterfront area surrounded by a pack of stray dogs, offering them food from a plastic bag

The Revised ABC Module for the AWBI

Co-authored the Revised ABC Module for the Animal Welfare Board of India, along with handbooks for veterinary officers, law-enforcement personnel and urban local bodies.

Community dogs

052

A volunteer kneels on a paved sidewalk, scooping food from a large pot into metal plates for a group of stray dogs

Management manuals written for Uttar Pradesh

Assisted Uttar Pradesh with the Cattle Management Manual for Urban Local Bodies, the Kanha Gaushala Management Manual, the Lucknow ABC Implementation Manual and the Street Dog Management Manual for Urban Local Bodies.

Farmed animals

053

A dense flock of white geese fills a long, narrow barn, their orange beaks and feet contrasting with the dim interior

Helped end foie gras in India

Advocated against the force-feeding cruelty behind foie gras, and in 2014 India became one of the first countries in the world to prohibit its import, effectively removing the product from the country.

Courts & law2014

054

An Indian Army officer, dressed in a brown blazer and red patterned tie, kneels on a lawn with two retired German Shepherd military dogs

Campaigned to stop the killing of retired Army dogs and horses

Advocated for animals that had served the armed forces to be rehabilitated and cared for in their old age rather than put down.

Working animals

055

A soldier in camouflage leads a string of heavily loaded mules along a narrow dirt road winding through steep, rocky mountains

Opposed the Army's “meat on the hoof” practice

Campaigned against the procurement and airdropping of live animals as fresh meat for troops in remote areas, pressing for pre-packaged rations in their place.

Farmed animals

056

A Saint Bernard mother reclines on a vibrant green lawn, her tongue lolling as she watches over a litter of five dark brown and white puppies

Supported the ban on importing dogs for commercial breeding

Following advocacy by animal-welfare groups, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade prohibited the import of dogs for breeding and other commercial purposes in 2016, sparing thousands of unsuited foreign-breed dogs.

Policy & systems2016

057

At the entrance of the Darchula District Police Office, a group of officers and officials stand solemnly as they hold up a large, spotted animal hide and accompanying bones

Advocated for a ban on the import of wildlife skins

Campaigned to prohibit the import of skins of wild animals, closing a channel that fuelled cruelty and the wildlife trade.

Wildlife & shows

058

A lone seal lies comfortably on a broad expanse of snow-covered ice, its mottled gray fur blending subtly with the frozen surroundings

Advocated for a ban on the import of seal leather and products

Campaigned against the commercial sealing trade, supporting India's prohibition on importing seal skin and seal-derived products.

Wildlife & shows

059

The NX200 Athena Long RF Classic Wood air rifle combines traditional aesthetics with modern performance

Advocated for mandatory registration of air guns

Campaigned for air guns to be brought under registration requirements to curb the widespread killing of birds and small animals.

Policy & systems

060

A state-of-the-art television studio interior showcases a round anchor desk positioned on a raised circular platform, backed by a wide LED screen projecting a stylized city skyline

Assisted in amending the broadcasting code to bar cruelty to animals on air

Advocated for programme standards that prevent the telecast of content depicting cruelty to animals.

Policy & systems

061

A golden platter showcases perfectly cut diamond-shaped Kaju Katli pieces, each adorned with a delicate layer of edible silver foil

Secured a shift to cruelty-free, machine-made silver leaf

Advocated against making silver foil (chandi ka varq) by hammering silver between cattle intestines, and in 2016 the FSSAI barred the use of any animal-origin material in its manufacture, requiring hygienic, machine-based production.

Policy & systems2016

062

A modern abattoir facility in Sira, Karnataka, features a blue-and-white corrugated metal roof supported by steel pillars

Assisted Uttar Pradesh to end public subsidies for slaughterhouses

Advocated for an amendment to the State's municipal corporation law to stop government subsidies flowing to slaughterhouses in 2028.

Farmed animals

063

Aldi showcases its cruelty-free cleaning range in a bright, modern kitchen setting

Advocated for a ban on testing household products on animals

Campaigned to prohibit the use of animals to test household and cleaning products, extending India's cruelty-free testing reforms beyond cosmetics.

Testing & labs

064

A researcher dons full protective gear, including a hairnet, surgical mask, gloves, and lab coat, while working inside a biosafety cabinet

Assisted in amending Schedule Y to prevent duplicate animal testing

Advocated for changes under the Drugs and Cosmetics framework that avoid repeating animal tests already conducted for a drug, reducing unnecessary suffering.

Testing & labs

065

A scientist in a white lab coat and protective eyewear stands at a benchtop analytical instrument, preparing a sample for pesticide residue testing

Advocated for reduced pesticide testing on animals

Supported the adoption of internationally accepted OECD testing approaches that cut the number of animals used in pesticide safety testing.

Testing & labs

066

At NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, Union Minister Smt

Helped establish an Animal Law Centre at NALSAR University of Law

Supported the creation of a dedicated centre for animal law at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, building academic capacity in the field.

Teaching

067

A female lecturer in a coral blazer stands at the front of a well-lit classroom, addressing a group of law students seated at wooden desks

Advocated for animal law in the national law curriculum

Following advocacy, the Bar Council of India introduced animal law into the syllabus across India's law universities.

Teaching

068

A team of veterinary students gathers around a black-and-white cow in an outdoor enclosure, each wearing white lab coats and focused on different aspects of the animal’s health

Assisted in updating the veterinary curriculum

Advocated for animal-welfare content to be strengthened in the syllabus of veterinary colleges through the Veterinary Council of India.

Courts & law

069

A LabXchange activity offers a free, 30‑minute 3D virtual frog dissection simulation designed for middle school students

Advocated for the removal of dissection from zoology courses

Following advocacy, the University Grants Commission moved to phase out animal dissection in zoology and life-science teaching in favour of alternatives.

Wildlife & shows

070

In Uttarakhand, a joint mission between the Indian Army and Wildlife SOS brought critical aid to Moti, a 35-year-old elephant who had collapsed and could no longer stand

Secured the rehabilitation of privately held captive elephants in Uttarakhand and Delhi

Advocated for and supported the removal of all private captive elephants in these regions into lawful, humane care.

Working animals

071

A public awareness drive led by the Gayatri Pariwar successfully halted an animal sacrifice at the Chitai Golu Devta Temple in Almora

Advocated for a ban on animal sacrifice in Uttarakhand

That advocacy supported the prohibition of animal sacrifice in the State. PFA secured court directions, worked with government agencies and temple authorities and brought about a peaceful transition towards a non-violent culture.

Policy & systems

072

A dedicated volunteer carefully adjusts a harness on a mule’s injured, bandaged leg inside a green metal enclosure

Created an equine rescue centre at Dehradun

Established a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation centre for working and abandoned equines at Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Working animals

073

A team of officials and representatives gathered outside the National Crime Records Bureau headquarters for a formal engagement

Brought crimes against animals into India's national crime data

Over two years PFA worked with the National Crime Records Bureau, gathering data from States and Union Territories and working with statisticians to have animal crime recorded in the National Crime Records; PFA are now helping them develop methods to track repeat offenders and identify vulnerable areas so States can be advised accordingly.

Policy & systems

074

A public transport bus in Sikkim is adorned with vibrant animal artwork and the bilingual slogan “Be Kind to Animals” (पशुओं पर दया करें)

Put “Be Kind to Animals” on public transport nationwide

Assisted the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to issue its Order of 25 February 2025 mandating the “Be Kind to Animals” message on all public transport vehicles across India from 1 April 2025, and have since followed up with every State and Union Territory on implementation.

Policy & systems2025

075

At India’s largest container terminal, Mundra port, massive cargo ships are guided into berth by tugboats as towering blue-and-yellow gantry cranes stand ready to load and unloa…

Brought animal welfare into maritime-sector CSR

Through the Sagar Samajik Sahyog initiative, PFA worked with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to amend its CSR guidelines to include animal welfare.

Policy & systems

076

Students from Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College teamed up with the dog welfare organization Stay Pawsitive to vaccinate 23 campus dogs

Secured a national push for Animal Welfare Societies in higher education

Secured a University Grants Commission directive dated 13 June 2025 recommending the establishment of Animal Welfare Societies in all Higher Education Institutions, with the potential to reach millions of students.

Teaching2025

077

An aerial perspective captures a modern pig farm facility featuring several elongated, white-roofed barns aligned in neat rows

Secured a national environmental directive on piggery pollution

Escalated the absence of sectoral guidelines on piggeries to the National Green Tribunal, which directed the Central Pollution Control Board to conduct a national piggery pollution study and frame binding environmental guidelines.

Courts & law

078

Inside a commercial pig barn, breeding sows are tightly confined in individual metal farrowing crates

Set a financial precedent against cruel confinement

Secured a national advisory from Punjab National Bank instructing its branches to withhold financing for piggery projects that use restrictive gestation and farrowing crates.

Farmed animals

079

Volunteers in Uttar Pradesh are implementing newly issued guidelines by setting up designated feeding points for stray dogs

Assisted Uttar Pradesh to protect community dogs statewide

Assisted the Government of Uttar Pradesh to issue Government Orders establishing designated feeding zones, protecting caregivers, banning the relocation or killing of community dogs, and mandating humane ABC infrastructure, CCTV monitoring and grievance redressal.

Community dogs

080

A young woman with blue-streaked hair and a face mask kneels on a sunlit sidewalk, carefully scooping food from a bright pink bucket into metal bowls

Assisted Delhi to adopt community-dog management guidelines

Assisted the Government of NCT of Delhi to issue its Order of 15 September 2025 covering feeding-zone designation, caregiver protection, pet registration, humane capture protocols and round-the-clock complaint helplines.

Community dogs2025

081

A white-coated dog wanders through a freshly fallen blanket of snow, leaving a trail of paw prints across the yard

Assisted Jammu & Kashmir to institutionalise humane dog management

Assisted the Government of J&K to issue its Order of 5 September 2025 directing all Urban Local Bodies to operationalise feeding sites, ABC infrastructure with CCTV, caregiver protections and compliance reporting.

Community dogs2025

082

A dedicated veterinary nurse in blue scrubs carefully monitors an anesthetized golden retriever on an operating table

Secured AWBI safeguards for animals in ABC surgery

Assisted the Animal Welfare Board of India to issue a winter advisory setting temperature thresholds for ABC surgeries and hypothermia-monitoring requirements, and a further advisory keeping ABC centres at least 500 metres from landfills and waste sites.

Community dogs

083

Inside a rustic shelter, two caregivers in gloves provide urgent medical treatment to a cow lying calmly on the ground

Standardised compensation for seized animals

Secured case-property rates notified by District Magistrates across 11 districts of Uttarakhand, and in several other regions across states, creating enforceable compensation benchmarks for animals seized in cruelty cases.

Policy & systems

084

A rural livestock farmer in the Himalayas tends to her pigs in a wooden pen layered with straw

Formalised a pig-welfare partnership with Uttarakhand

Signed an MoU with the Animal Husbandry Department, Uttarakhand in March 2025 and, with ICAR-NRCP, developed a welfare-oriented piggery training curriculum that the Department officially adopted in June 2025.

Farmed animals2025

085

A gentle pig named Jenny strolls through a lush field of white daisies at Farm Sanctuary in New York, with a red barn and verdant hills in the background

Founded India's first Pig Welfare Alliance

Established India's first Pig Welfare Alliance, uniting more than ten organisations, sanctuaries and experts to coordinate policy, rescue and rehabilitation nationwide.

Courts & law

086

A vast barn houses hundreds of white pigs in tightly arranged pens, each separated by metal partitions and equipped with overhead feeders

Drove enforcement against cruel piggeries

PFA’s engagement with pollution authorities led to the closure of non-compliant crate-based facilities in Gurugram holding over 2,000 pigs, and 33 notices to unauthorised operators in Uttar Pradesh protecting over 7,000 pigs per cycle.

Farmed animals

087

A researcher in full protective gear, face mask, safety goggles, and blue gloves, sits at the edge of a rustic outdoor pen containing several piglets and adult pigs

Built the evidence base on piggery public health

With the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) India, PFA produced a primary research report assessing 146 piggery units across nine States and delivering targeted recommendations to regulators.

Farmed animals

088

A herd of Holstein cows, identifiable by their black-and-white markings and ear tags, feed on thick, green grass under a clear blue sky

Published India's first high-welfare dairy handbook

Developed India's first comprehensive handbook on high-welfare dairy husbandry, giving operators of all scales evidence-based, measurable guidance on humane housing, nutrition and management.

Courts & law

089

A technician in a white lab coat and blue gloves carefully positions capped milk bottles under an automated analyzer

Advocated for a national milk-quality welfare standard

Published a policy brief calling for a national Somatic Cell Count standard for domestic milk, closing the gap between export and domestic requirements and addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Farmed animals

090

Bahamani Purty, a 45-year-old tribal farmer from Otongora village in Khunti district, stands inside her bamboo-and-tarpaulin pig shelter, holding a metal bowl as she feeds her s…

Mapped subsidies to expose welfare blind spots

Completed a national mapping of dairy and piggery subsidies, exposing where public finance ignores welfare and waste-management safeguards and equipping its push for welfare-linked lending conditions.

Farmed animals

091

A farm worker uses a smartphone to oversee operations in a covered dairy barn filled with Holstein cows

Embedded welfare into dairy supply chains and technology

Partnered with Madhur Dairy, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to raise welfare standards across its supply chain and with agri-tech firm GormalOne to build animal-welfare guidance into its AI advisory chatbot for farmers.

Courts & law

092

A series of wooden nesting boxes houses brown hens on a poultry farm, each compartment lined with wood shavings

Helped draft India's first cage-free standards

As a member of the Bureau of Indian Standards Committee FAD32, PFA contributed to draft cage-free egg-production standards.

Courts & law

093

A large flock of brown laying hens moves about a covered, open-sided poultry house outfitted with multiple red and yellow hanging feeders and drinkers

Built India's first large-scale cage-free demonstration farm

With TANSIM and Global Food Partners, PFA launched India's first large-scale (10,000-bird) environmentally controlled cage-free demonstration and training farm in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

Courts & law

094

A training session organized by the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Poultry Science at Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, brought toge…

Equipped business and trainers to go cage-free

Developed, with Ernst & Young, an Implementation Guide giving companies a practical roadmap to transition their egg supply chains, and ran India's first “Training of Trainers” for officials, veterinarians and geneticists across three States.

Courts & law

095

A woman in a pink sari gently holds a multi‑colored rooster while seated on the ground in front of a rustic brick wall

Made welfare training accessible in regional languages

Worked with the Gujarat Animal Husbandry Department to translate ICAR-CARI's cage-free modules into Gujarati and embed them in the State's official Backyard Poultry Training Programme.

Farmed animals

096

Manju Kashyap, a woman farmer from Duhai village in Ghaziabad, launched her desi chicken poultry farm just six months ago with 850 chicks

Advanced a Uttar Pradesh cage-free demonstration farm

As technical partners under an MoU, PFA supported the Government of Uttar Pradesh to develop its own cage-free demonstration farm for farmer learning and industry transition.

Farmed animals

097

A series of rectangular earthen ponds form a grid-like layout, each fitted with mechanical aerators that churn the water surface to maintain oxygen levels for tilapia farming

Secured climate-adaptive protections for farmed fish

Secured directives in four States, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, mandating protective seasonal aquaculture measures to reduce stress, disease and mortality.

Farmed animals

098

These black canvas school shoes by Liberty’s Prefect line combine a solid drill fabric upper with a textured rubber toe cap and PVC sole

Institutionalised compassionate school uniforms in Goa

Secured an order from the Directorate of Education, Goa mandating canvas (non-leather) shoes in all government, aided and unaided schools as part of the uniform policy.

Policy & systems

099

A brown cow stands quietly in a metal restraint, its head secured by a chin lift and neck support inside a slaughterhouse

Advanced humane slaughter in Gujarat

Secured an order from Gujarat's Urban Development Department directing all local bodies to enforce pre-slaughter stunning in slaughterhouses.

Farmed animals

100

A herd of predominantly white cattle is lined up on a sunlit, dusty ground, each animal tethered by ropes

Took illegal livestock markets to task in Uttarakhand

That advocacy led the Udham Singh Nagar District Magistrate to constitute a District Livestock Market Monitoring Committee under the Regulation of Livestock Markets Rules, 2017.

Courts & law2017

101

A formal group photograph captures judicial officers and staff assembled on October 14, 2024, at the Gujarat State Judicial Academy’s Academic and Administrative Building

Trained enforcers and professionals at scale

Ran more than 30 capacity-building programmes in 2025, including sessions for around 800 public prosecutors at Gujarat National Law University, some 400 officers at the Gujarat Police Academy, and municipal officers from all 17 of Uttar Pradesh's corporations on ABC implementation.

Courts & law2025

102

Three senior officials of the Animal Welfare Board of India, Dr

Co-authored national reference handbooks with AWBI

In February 2025 the Animal Welfare Board of India published its co-authored Law Enforcement Handbook, Handbook for Veterinary Officers, and Animal Law Handbook for Urban Local Bodies, along with the Revised Street Dog Management Module.

Community dogs2025

103

The photograph captures the main entrance of the Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi

Embedded animal law at the University of Delhi

Executed an MoU with the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi on 16 October 2025 to embed animal law through education, research and policy engagement.

Teaching2025