Library/BNS/Section 291
Section 291BailablePenal

Negligent conduct with respect to animal

Full Text

Whoever knowingly or negligently omits to take such measures with any animal in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life, or any probable danger of grievous hurt from such animal, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

Plain English Summary

Imposes liability on animal owners or keepers who fail to take adequate precautions to prevent their animals from causing danger to human life or causing grievous hurt.

Key Legal Elements

  • Possession or control of any animal
  • Knowingly or negligently omitting to take adequate measures to secure the animal
  • The omission creates a probable danger to human life or a danger of grievous hurt

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both

Practical Note

Frequently invoked in cases of pet dog bites where the owner failed to leash or secure the dog, or when farm animals stray onto public roads causing accidents due to owner negligence.

हिंदी पाठ

जो कोई, अपने कब्जे के किसी जीव-जंतु के संबंध में ऐसा कोई उपाय करने का, जो ऐसे जीव-जंतु से मानव जीवन को किसी संभावित संकट से, या घोर उपहति (गंभीर चोट) के किसी संभावित खतरे से बचाने के लिए पर्याप्त हो, जानते हुए या उपेक्षापूर्वक लोप करेगा, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि छह मास तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, जो पांच हजार रुपए तक का हो सकेगा, या दोनों से, दण्डित किया जाएगा।