Upon learning about a barbaric incident of an acid attack on a mother dog who had recently given birth to three puppies that killed her, PETA India worked with a local activist, Mr Prasad Kale, and the Sangli police to ensure that a first information report (FIR) was promptly registered. The Sangli City Police Station then registered an FIR under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, against Mr Ganesh Anil Jadhav for the violent act. We commend the Sangli Police, particularly, Shri Arun Sugaonkar, Police Inspector of Sangli City Police Station, for promptly registering the FIR.
Initially, the dog could not be located, as she had run away from being in extreme pain from the severe burns inflicted on her body, despite extensive efforts to find her made by Mr Kale. Ultimately, with the help of Animal Rahat, a local NGO, the dog was eventually traced and rescued by the Animal Rahat Sangli unit for treatment. She had sustained deep wounds and burns so severe that her intestines began protruding. Unfortunately, despite medical intervention, the dog ultimately succumbed to her injuries. A post-mortem examination of the deceased dog was conducted by the government veterinarian.
Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, makes the maiming or killing of any animal a cognisable offence and provides for a jail term of up to five years, a fine, or both. Section 11 of the PCA Act, 1960, defines “cruelty” and makes the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal a punishable offence.
PETA India recommends that perpetrators of animal abuse undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling, as abusing animals indicates a deep psychological disturbance. Research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals, including humans. A study published in Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal stated, “Those who engage in cruelty to animals to animals were [three] times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse.”
PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen the PCA Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023, prescribes stronger punishments). In a proposal sent to the central government regarding an amendment to the PCA Act, PETA India has recommended significantly increasing penalties for cruelty to animals.
Harm to community animals is a matter of grave public concern. People who are cruel to animals often move on to other animals and human victims. A female human could be the next target of an acid attack by the same criminal. You can help by:
Always Reporting Cruelty to Animals
Demanding Stronger Penalties Against Animal Abuse
