Visakhapatnam Police Register FIR for Biting Off Hen’s Head During a Dance Performance

After learning about a video showing a person killing a hen by biting off the bird’s head using his teeth during a dance performance in full public view, PETA India worked with a local volunteer, Kotapalli Pramod Kumar, and senior police officials in Visakhapatnam district to get a first information report (FIR) registered. The FIR has been registered under sections 325, read with 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Section 11(1) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, against the performer and the organisers. A similar incident occurred in Anakapalli last year, where PETA India’s complaint led to the registration of an FIR.

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.”

PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen the PCA Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023 prescribes stronger punishments).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.