FIR Registered for Killing of Community Dog at IIT Hyderabad Following PETA India and SAFI Intervention
After learning that a community dog was killed on the campus of IIT Hyderabad, allegedly by a security guard, PETA India and Stray Animal Foundation India (SAFI) successfully facilitated the registration of a first information report (FIR) at Sangareddy Rural Police Station.
A security guard at IIT Hyderabad reportedly beat a community dog on 27 September, leaving the canine with severe injuries. The dog died two days later after suffering from excruciating pain. A complaint was filed on 30 September, following which Sangareddy Rural Police Station registered an FIR (No. 571 of 2026) on 1 October against an unidentified accused. PETA India worked closely with the Circle Inspector of Sangareddy Rural Circle, Sri Mohammad Nayeemuddin, and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sangareddy Rural Police Station, Sri Arva Harika, to support the filing of the FIR. A post-mortem examination was conducted the same day. The FIR has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, based on a complaint filed by Mr Adulapuram Goutam, Cruelty Prevention Manager at SAFI Foundation.
Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming, or rendering useless 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. 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 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PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen the PCA Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023, prescribes stronger punishments).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.
