Section 290: Prohibition of cruel treatment to animals and birds

1) No person shall subject any animal or bird to torture by beating or hitting it, or by causing it to carry a load beyond its capacity or by causing it to walk or run beyond its ability or by engaging it in work if it is unable to work because of illness, wound or Khatira, or any other cause, or by feeding it harmful substance or in any other manner whatsoever or leave publicly any animal or bird which he or she has grown up because of its being ill or aged or otherwise treat it cruelly or mercilessly.

Provided that nothing shall bar the using of minimum force in order to make any animal or bird do any work or carry a load according to its physical capacity or make it run, with the objective to teach or train it to do any wok or make it efficient on its work.

2) A person who commits the offence referred to in sub-section (1) shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding five thousand rupees or both the sentences.