Barabanki: Man Attacks Sleeping Dog as Other Dogs, Cows Try to Help—FIR Registered Following PETA India Complaint
After a concerned citizen shared CCTV footage with PETA India showing a man identified as Manoj Soni striking a sleeping community dog on the head with a large cement block, shattering the dog’s head. The dog lost consciousness and collapsed on the road following the assault. He sustained several injuries. Local community animal caregivers ensured veterinary treatment for the dog. He continues to remain under treatment and is currently recovering. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered with the help of Smt Raveena Tyagi, IPS, the Superintendent of Police, Barabanki. In the video, other dogs and cows can be seen attempting to help the dog.
The incident took place on 6 October in the Irrigation Department colony, Barabanki. Based on the CCTV footage of the incident, Kotwali Police Station registered an FIR against the accused Manoj Soni. The FIR has been registered 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. Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises the maiming or killing of any animal as a cognizable 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 recommends that perpetrators of animal abuse undergo a 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 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PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen the PCA Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023, prescribes stronger punishments).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.
