Bhopal: FIR Registered Against Motorist for Running Over Dog, Following PETA India Intervention
After being alerted to a horrific incident of a motorist riding recklessly and apparently intentionally speeding up before passing through a group of dogs and two feeders, hitting one of the dogs and causing grievous injuries while narrowly missing the feeders, PETA India worked with the feeders and TT Nagar Police to ensure that a First Information Report (FIR) was promptly registered.
The incident took place on 21 July at around 10 p.m. in the Shastri Nagar area of Bhopal. Based on CCTV footage of the incident, TT Nagar Police Station registered an FIR under Sections 281, 325, 296, 351(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against the rider. The dog suffered a punctured lung and is currently recovering under the care of the loving feeders.
Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises the maiming or killing of any animal as a cognisable offence and prescribes a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or with a fine, or with both.
PETA India commends Shri Raghavendra Singh, Station House Officer of TT Nagar Police Station, for registering the FIR and sending a clear message that violence will not be tolerated.
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.” Those who abuse animals often move on to harming humans, and in this case, the driver seems to have wanted to hurt animals and humans both.
PETA India urges anyone who comes across an injured animal to immediately contact a veterinarian or an animal rescue group for help. It’s also important to stay with the animal and ensure they’re properly treated and tended to. PETA India operates a 24/7 animal emergency line, 9820122602, where callers can receive local contacts and advice. For everyone’s safety, it’s imperative that members of the public report cruelty to animals such as this one to the police.
