Andhra Pradesh Police Register FIR for Barbaric Killing of a Hen by Biting off the Bird’s Head During a Dance Performance
After learning about a video showing a person deliberately 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 senior police officials of Anakapalli district to get a first information report (FIR) registered. The FIR has been registered under sections 429 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and Section 11(1) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, against the performer and the organisers. This disturbing incident, witnessed by children in the audience, was filmed and posted on social media under the guise of entertainment.
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 animal cruelty 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PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen the PCA Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which has now replaced the IPC, 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.
