Ujjain Police Register FIR for Attack on Dog Causing Loss of an Eye, Following PETA India Intervention
After a local reported a disturbing incident of a community dog being severely injured and losing an eye to an assault, PETA India worked with local feeder and caregiver, Ms Radha Yadav, and the Thana in-charge at the Neelganga police station to get a first information report (FIR) registered under stringent provisions of the law. As a result of PETA India’s intervention, an FIR was registered against two accused under Sections 296, 351(2), 333 and 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. The jurisdictional veterinarian conducted a medical examination of the victim dog, who is under the care of a caregiver.
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 hurt 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PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023, which has now replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, 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.
