FIR and Forest Offence Registered Against Man for Using Dogs to Hunt and Kill Wildlife in Balrampur, Following PETA India Complaint
After receiving videos about a disturbing case involving the illegal hunting and killing of protected wildlife and community animals in Balrampur district, PETA India worked with forest and police authorities to ensure that stringent legal action was taken against the accused.
The accused, Mohd Husaain, reportedly from Kataiya Bhari village in Pachpedwa Block, Balrampur district, was found to be using his dogs to chase, corner, and kill animals, including jungle cats – a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972 – as well as community cats and a bull. Videos shared on social media show the dogs being deliberately incited and encouraged to attack the animals, confirming that the acts were planned and intentional.
Upon receiving the complaint, PETA India coordinated with the Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Forest Officer, Balrampur. As a result of sustained follow-ups, both a Forest Offence Report (FOR) under the WPA, 1972, and a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, have been registered against the accused. The matter is currently under investigation.
Section 9 of the WPA, 1972, prohibits the hunting of protected wild animals. Under Section 2(16), “hunting” includes killing or attempting to kill any wild animal, as well as baiting or using animals to facilitate such acts. Jungle cats, being listed under Schedule I, attract the highest level of protection under the Act. As per Section 51 of the WPA, offences involving Schedule I species are punishable with imprisonment of not less than three years, which may extend to seven years, along with a fine of not less than ₹25,000.
Additionally, Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, makes it an offence to incite animals to fight or cause unnecessary pain and suffering. Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, categorises maiming or killing any animal as a cognisable offence and prescribes imprisonment which may extend to five years, or with fine, or both.
Using dogs as weapons to hunt and kill protected wildlife is not only cruel but a serious criminal offence. The videos reveal deliberate instigation and complete disregard for both animal welfare and the law. In this case, the swift action taken by the Balrampur Forest Division and the Balrampur District Police deserves recognition. By registering both a FOR and an FIR, authorities have sent a clear message that such brutal acts will not be tolerated. Strong, consistent enforcement is essential if we are to deter these crimes and safeguard India’s wildlife from further harm.
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.”
