FIR Registered Against Group of Men for Beating a Puppy to Death, Following PETA India and Jeev Sahyog Foundation’s Intervention in Shahjahanpur
After receiving information and video evidence showing a disturbing case of a terrified puppy being chased and beaten to death by 5 men in Lala Teli Bajariya, close to Manju Rani School in Shahjahanpur, PETA India worked with Piyush Pandey of Jeev Sahyog Foundation and Shahjahanpur Police to ensure that legal action was taken against the offenders.
The incident occurred on 7 March at around 5 p.m. inside a nearby graveyard/kabristan. According to information shared with PETA India and Piyush Pandey of Jeev Sahyog Foundation, the puppy, a local family’s companion dog, had accidentally entered the graveyard area when all the men present there began chasing the canine with wooden sticks.
A video of the incident shows all the men repeatedly hitting the puppy with sticks while the puppy yelps for help and tries to escape. The animal can be heard crying in pain while attempting to hide under a charpai for shelter. The attackers removed the charpai and continued beating the small animal with sticks until the puppy died. After the incident, the accused people reportedly removed the body of the animal from the spot in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Following PETA India’s escalation of the matter with Shri Rajesh Dwivedi, IPS, Superintendent of Police (SP), Shahjahanpur, who directed Sadar Bazar Police Station to register an FIR and a complaint being submitted by Piyush Pandey, Founder of Jeev Sahyog Foundation, the Sadar Bazar Police Station registered a First Information Report under Sections 325 and 3(5) 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, makes killing or maiming an animal a cognisable offence punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years, or with fine, or both. Section 3(5) of the BNS applies when an offence is committed by multiple persons acting together with a common intention. Additionally, Section 11(1)(a) of the PCA Act, 1960 makes beating or causing unnecessary pain and suffering to any animal a punishable offence.
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.”
