Numbers and rules can change. Last checked against official sources on 08-10-2026. Please confirm with the authority before relying on a number.
When you see an animal being hurt, you need to know who to call right away. The honest answer is that India has no single national animal cruelty helpline that we could find on any official site. There are several official routes, though, and knowing which one to use saves time. For more on caring for dogs, visit our dog hub.
Who to call, by situation
An animal is being hurt right now: call 112
112 is India’s single emergency number, connecting to police, fire, health and other services. [S1] If cruelty is happening in front of you, especially killing, poisoning or serious injury, call 112 or go to the nearest police station. Killing, poisoning or maiming an animal is a cognizable offence, which means the police must register an FIR. [S2] See our guide on how to file an FIR for animal cruelty.
To report to the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
- Phone: 0129-2555700 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM) [S3]
- Email: support@awbi.gov.in [S3]
This is AWBI’s office contact, not a 24-hour helpline. AWBI examines cruelty complaints and forwards them to the state authorities concerned, asking them to investigate and report back. [S4] So for anything urgent, go to the police first.
Your State Animal Welfare Board
According to the central government, every state has set up a State Animal Welfare Board. [S5] Contact details vary by state; search your state government’s animal husbandry department website.
A sick or injured farm animal: 1962
1962 is the toll-free number for the Mobile Veterinary Units run under the central government’s livestock health programme. They provide veterinary care such as diagnosis, treatment, vaccination and minor surgery at farmers’ doorsteps. [S6] It’s a veterinary service for livestock, not a cruelty-reporting line, and it isn’t available everywhere.
Street dogs or cattle: your municipality
For problems involving street animals, such as illegal relocation of dogs or injured stray cattle, contact your municipal corporation’s veterinary department. Many cities list their numbers in our city guides.
What to have ready when you call
- The exact location and a landmark
- What you saw, when, and who was involved, if you know
- Photos or videos, taken from a safe distance
- Names and numbers of any witnesses
- The animal’s current condition
Write down the date, time and name of whoever you spoke to, and any complaint or reference number.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
It would help everyone if India had one cruelty helpline. Until it does, save 112 and your local police station’s number, and use them for anything serious. Keep AWBI and your State Board for follow-up and for complaints that need investigating rather than emergency action.
🐾 Caring for a rescued or community animal? Keep its vet and vaccination records in a free Pet Passport.
Read more: how to report animal cruelty in India and how to file a municipal complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a national animal cruelty helpline in India?
We couldn’t find one on any official site. For emergencies, call 112 [S1]; for complaints, AWBI’s office is on 0129-2555700. [S3]
Can I call the police about animal cruelty?
Yes. Killing, poisoning or maiming an animal is a cognizable offence, so the police must register an FIR. [S2]
What is the 1962 helpline?
The toll-free number for Mobile Veterinary Units, which give veterinary care to livestock at farmers’ doorsteps. [S6] It’s not a cruelty-reporting line.
What does AWBI do with a cruelty complaint?
It examines the complaint and forwards it to the concerned state authorities, asking them to investigate and send an Action Taken Report. [S4]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] Ministry of Home Affairs, Emergency Response Support System (112) – 112.gov.in – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S2] Animal Welfare Board of India, Law Enforcement Handbook on Animal Welfare Laws (BNS section 325, cognizable) – awbi.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S3] Animal Welfare Board of India, Contact Us – awbi.gov.in – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S4] Animal Welfare Board of India, Annual Report 2024–25 – awbi.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S5] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question 3605 (2 April 2025) – dahd.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S6] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 1267 (30 July 2024) – eparlib.nic.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with AWBI, the police or any government body. This is not legal advice.