In this conversation with lawyer Jayasimha Nuggehalli, Frontline unpacks how the animal welfare framework has evolved in India over time. It was conceived as welfare legislation to bring about social change: the Animal Welfare Board was created, and a duty of care was introduced. There was also a call for a universal ban on cow slaughter, which was abandoned too. There was barely any discussion on the condition of gaushalas [cow shelters], and little attention paid to the economic conditions that pushed people towards cow slaughter. Can you take us through your years at the Animal Welfare Board, and the major challenges you faced in implementing welfare policies?