THE LAWS
For animals (other than wild and endangered species) the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is applicable. According to this Act, it is against the law to:
1) give an animal any injurious substance or poisoned food (PCA, Section 11)
2) transport any animal in any manner that will cause him or her unnecessary suffering. This includes loading cows into trucks without ramps and overcrowding the vehicle as well as tying up pigs and carrying them on cycles (PCA, Section 11)
3) kill homeless animals
4) purposefully injure or kill dogs, cats and cows on the street. What you can do Report offenders to the local animal protection group and police station. A case/FIR can be filed under the above-mentioned sections. Punishment is a fine of Rs.2000 and/or a jail term of up to 5 years. All violations of Section 11 are punishable with a fine of Rs.100 and/or up to 3 months in jail.

Citizens may only report what they perceive as nuisance, to the municipal authorities. They are forbidden by law to destroy animals on their own. The municipality is required to maintain an animal pound for animals. Previously, municipalities would kill these animals, mainly dogs, cruelly by electrocution, starvation and burying alive. After 1992, it became illegal for municipalities to kill stray dogs. The High Courts of Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Mumbai and several other states/cities have specifically forbidden the killing of stray dogs and have directed the local municipality to introduce a sensible sterilisation programme instead. The Animal Welfare Board of India has established a code of conduct for municipalities. Failure to follow the code can invite contempt of court proceedings. Section 428 & 429 of the Indian Penal Code make it illegal to maim, or cause injury to animal with a fine of more than Rs.10. (Even though this amount appears ridiculously small, it could still act as a humiliation and deterrent)