Primary statute
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) is the founding instrument. Section 11 defines cruelty and its exceptions; Section 11(3)(b) specifically permits euthanasia.
The text is permissive but generic. It does not prescribe the protocol, the documentation, or the qualifications of the practitioner. That gap has been filled imperfectly by rules, codes, and convention.
Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
The ABC Rules 2023 replaced the 2001 framework and significantly tightened the conditions under which stray dogs may be euthanised. Permitted only when the animal is mortally injured, suffering from incurable disease, or rabid; decision by a registered veterinarian, with documentation; body disposition recorded with the local authority.
Drug regulation
The drugs used in clinical euthanasia are governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS) and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. Pentobarbital — the standard agent globally — is heavily restricted in India, with consequences for both clinical access and grey-market substitution.
Reform pending
The PCA (Amendment) Bill, 2022 proposes higher penalties for cruelty and incidentally tightens the framework around humane treatment. It does not yet codify a Right-to-Death framework — which is what GoodDeath.in advocates. See the proposal.
In practice — what a vet should do
- Document the clinical indication. Pain score, prognosis, treatment ladder exhausted.
- Obtain owner consent in writing. Witnessed where feasible.
- Administer per accepted protocol — sedation first, then the agent.
- Record drug used, dose, time of death.
- Body disposition agreed in advance with the owner.
The gaps
- No statutory consent form template.
- No certification pathway for euthanasia specialists.
- No clear pathway for home euthanasia drug access.
- No statutory liability shield for vets following best practice.
Each is a line item in the proposed Right-to-Death Act.
— Last reviewed Dr. NRS, 27 April 2026.