Celebrities and politicians sign petition against draft animal cruelty rules
More than 18,000 people have signed an appeal seeking the withdrawal of proposed laboratory animal regulations.
More than 18,000 people, including celebrities, politicians, and scientists, have signed a petition seeking the withdrawal of the proposed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Control and Supervision of Experiment, Breeding and Trading of Laboratory Animals) Rules, 2026, according to The Hindu.
The petition, supported by PETA India, opposes the draft rules which aim to replace the Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision) Rules, 1998. The government states the proposal will modernise research and reduce bureaucratic delays through institutional self-regulation, while also strengthening ethical accountability.
PETA India claims the rules could weaken protections for animals used in laboratory research. The organisation alleged the provisions might permit the use of community cats and dogs in labs and increase the capture of protected wildlife for experiments.
The group also raised concerns regarding experiments causing severe pain, such as toxicity tests where death is an endpoint. PETA India further alleged the draft would reduce oversight by the Central Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) and dilute safeguards for anaesthesia and euthanasia.
Signatories include actors John Abraham, Tabu, Hema Malini, and Raveena Tandon, alongside cricketer K.L. Rahul. Parliamentarians such as Lok Sabha MP Hema Malini, Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo, Lok Sabha MP Dr Mohammad Jawed, and former Union Minister Renuka Chowdhury have also signed the appeal.
PETA India science and research policy advisor Dr Noopur Jain called for the withdrawal of the rules to promote non-animal research methods. The government has invited objections and suggestions until November 5.