The proposed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2026, while sounding official and technical, may quietly open doors to greater animal suffering in labs. What’s more concerning? Major oversight could shift from central watchdogs to local committees; meaning fewer checks, more room for misuse. PETA argues this move contradicts global trends pushing for advanced, non-animal research methods. If you thought India was moving toward ethical science, this draft says otherwise. The bigger question: Who’s really benefiting from loosening protections? And why now? This isn’t just about animals; it’s about the kind of science we want to support tomorrow.