Rachakonda: FIR Registered for Poisoning Five Dogs, Four Die and One Survives
After being alerted about an incident involving the poisoning of five community dogs, India worked with the local caregiver of the dogs, Mr R. Dinesh Vasanth, to ensure that the Adibatla Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) promptly. The incident took place on 20 June in Sri Sri Aerocity, Adibatla, Rachakonda. The FIR was registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Out of the five dogs, one survived thanks to the timely intervention of Mr. Vasanth, who ensured the canine received prompt veterinary care. A post-mortem examination was conducted for one of the deceased dogs as directed by the police, while the bodies of the remaining dogs were reportedly disposed of.
Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises the maiming, killing or poisoning 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.
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 Shri Balaraju, Sub-Inspector of Adibatla Police Station, for promptly 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.”
PETA India has long campaigned for strengthening the PCA Act, 1960. This act contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023, prescribes stronger punishments).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 Act, PETA India recommended significantly increasing penalties for cruelty to animals.
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