Udaipur, April 9, 2025 - The Director of the Animal Husbandry Department of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and the State Animal Welfare Board have issued guidelines regarding the use of draught animals during the intense heat.

Dr Surendra Changani, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Training Institute, has said that the guidelines have been issued by Board Secretary Dr Anand Sejra that using animals during the increasing heat will be a punishable offense. Owing to the rising temperatures, using draught animals such as horses, donkeys, mules, bulls and buffaloes for long hours in the sun can cause severe adverse effects, including unnecessary pain, heat stroke and even death.

According to Dr Sejra, under Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it is the duty of every person to ensure the welfare of an animal under their care and to take all reasonable measures to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to the animal.

As per point 3 under Rule 6 of the Draught and Pack Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Rules, 1965, in areas where the temperature exceeds 37°C, animals should not be used between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. According to Rule 12 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals by Foot) Rules, 2001, animals should not be transported on foot when the temperature exceeds 30°C.

Public awareness campaigns have also been initiated to educate people on this matter.

Dr Changani said animals during this season should be provided with clean water and a balanced diet at regular intervals.