INDIAN FILM CRITICISED FOR USING ANIMALS

January 12, 2006

Maneka sees red over 'Rang de Basanti'[image: Add to

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Himanshi Dhawan

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NEW DELHI: A day after the Indian Air Force cleared the film Rang de

Basanti for viewing, Lok Sabha MP and animal activist Maneka Gandhi lodged a

protest against the use of animals during its filming.

Maneka has said that the film-makers have not taken the mandatory permission

from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) for use of animals in the

movie.

The AWBI has issued a notice to the Censor Board asking them not to clear

the film as rules under the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals Act were not adhered to. Maneka said, " Despite repeated

reminders, the film producers have not taken permission from the AWBI.

We have been forced to ask the Censor Board not to give the film

certification for screening. " The film's producers UTV, however, have said

they are in the process of acquiring the certification.

" We have already applied for certification from the Animal Welfare Board and

should get it by next week, " a UTV spokesperson said.

The exhibition rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act require

that the exhibition of any animal should be done only after an endorsement

by the Welfare Board.

The law also demands that an AWBI inspector and a vet be present during the

filming and ensure adequate care is taken of the animal.

Needless use of animals is prohibited and the kind of animal that is used in

shooting is also regulated. For instance, filming any kind of endangered

species would come under the AWBI's scanner.

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