Madurai: FIR Registered After Heavy Bricks Hurled at Dog—PETA India Offers Reward of Up to Rs. 50,000 for Information Leading to Arrest
Following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a community dog being viciously attacked with large bricks at Velayutham Pillai Street, Goripalayam, Madurai, PETA India worked with the Madurai City Police to ensure the prompt registration of a first information report (FIR). The identities of the accused are currently unknown, and the police are actively examining nearby CCTV footage to gather information on the suspects (the man who hurled the bricks and the other man who helped him leave the scene). To help, PETA India is offering a reward of up to Rs 50,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for torturing the dog.
PETA India coordinated with the Madurai City Police, following a complaint submitted by Thiru V P Murugan. The FIR was registered against two unidentified individuals under Sections 324(4) and 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
The dog seen in the video has been rescued and is being cared for by Thiru Murugan, who has arranged veterinary treatment for the abused animal.
Anyone with information about this crime can contact PETA India at [email protected]. Upon request, informants’ identities will be kept confidential.
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. Section 11 of the PCA Act, 1960, defines “cruelty” and makes the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal a punishable offence.
Those who abuse animals often move on to harming humans. For everyone’s safety, it’s imperative that members of the public report cruelty to animals such as this one to the police. We commend Madurai City Police for registering the FIR and sending a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.
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 to animals were [three] times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse.”
