North 24 Parganas: Two Booked for Maiming and Suspected Poisoning of Companion Animals Following PETA India Intervention

Acting on a complaint by a concerned citizen regarding the maiming and suspected poisoning of companion animals, PETA India collaborated with Nimta police station to ensure the prompt registration of a first information report (FIR). 

The incident allegedly occurred on 4 January at Mahanagar Loknath Mandir, Nimta, North 24 Parganas – 700 049. The accused, Mrs Rituparna Roy and Mr Joy Roy, reportedly threatened the complainant and, in her presence, assaulted her animals by hurling stones and striking them on the head with sticks. Additionally, three companion cats reportedly fell ill the previous night under suspicious circumstances and later succumbed to their condition, raising serious concerns of poisoning.

The Nimta police have registered an FIR against both the accused under Sections 3(5), 325, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 3, 11(1)(a), and 11(1)(l) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, for allegedly maiming, suspected poisoning, and threatening the complainant. The bodies of the deceased animals have been sent for necropsy, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, makes the maiming or killing of any animal a cognisable offence and provides for a jail term of up to five years, a fine, or both. Section 3(5) of the BNS, 2023, addresses acts committed “in furtherance of the common intention of all” by multiple individuals. Section 351(2) of the BNS, 2023, prescribes punishment for the offence of criminal intimidation. Section 11(1) of the PCA Act, 1960 defines the term “cruelty,” which includes causing unnecessary pain and suffering and makes it punishable. Section 11(l)(l) of the PCA Act, 1960 makes the act of mutilating any animal or killing any animal (including stray dogs) a cognisable and punishable offence.  

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 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.”