Sitapur: Pregnant Horse Ruthlessly Beaten with a Hoe—FIR Registered, Abused Horse Seized and Rehabilitated

After learning about a pregnant mare (female horse) being ruthlessly beaten by her owner using a hoe in Sitapur, PETA India worked with a local volunteer, Rishab Shukla and senior Sitapur police officials to file a first information report (FIR) against the horse’s alleged abuser. Mahmudabad Police Station has registered an FIR under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, following a complaint from Rishabh Shukla and PETA India. The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Sitapur, conducted a thorough medical examination and provided veterinary treatment to the injured horse. The horse is reportedly pregnant, has suffered injuries and has an existing eye condition. Shri Aditya Ranjan, Hon’ble Judicial Magistrate, Sitapur, granted interim custody of the abused horse to animal protection NGO Animal Rahat, allowing her to be moved to an animal sanctuary in Bulandshahr. She is now receiving care, rehabilitation, and a safe environment to recover from the trauma she endured. The accused was arrested and is currently in the district jail in Sitapur.

The whistleblower who recorded the video of the abuse claimed that the owner subjected the pregnant mare to beatings every day after exploiting her for labour.

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 states, “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.”

Rule 3(b) of the Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals Rules, 2017, framed under Section 38 of the PCA Act, empowers the Magistrate to grant interim custody of seized animals to an animal welfare organisation. There are judicial precedents of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, various High Courts and trial courts concerning interim custody of seized animals being vested with animal welfare organisations until the pendency of trial to avoid further abuse.