FIR Registered Against ‘Dogs And Me, Pet’s Resort and Training School’ for Horrific Assault and Blinding a Companion Dog
After hearing from the guardian of two dogs that were lodged at ‘Dogs and Me, Pet’s Resort and Training School,’ a boarding facility in Thane, that staff members severely beat their companion dogs, resulting in a painful injury to one dog, with the left eye nearly popping out, swollen, and red—ultimately leading to permanent vision loss despite surgery—PETA India took immediate action. This grave instance of cruelty, supported by CCTV footage showing staff at the boarding centre beating companion dogs, prompted PETA India to work with the dog’s guardians, Mr Abhishek Kumar and Mrs. Boski Palan, to get a first information report (FIR) registered. A formal complaint was filed with the Vartak Nagar Police Station by the guardians with PETA India’s guidance and support. Following coordination with police officials, an FIR was registered against 4 named individuals – the owners and staff of ‘Dogs and Me, Pet’s Resort and Training School’ under sections 325 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 11(1)(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, for the dastardly assault that left a dog permanently blind in one eye – amounting to maiming.
PETA India advises all area veterinary clinics and other places of business where animals are present to check the information of job applicants carefully to help ensure that these alleged abusers do not get the opportunity to work with animals again. PETA India advises those looking for a sitter for their dog companion to choose a trusted friend or relative. When it’s absolutely necessary to seek the help of a boarding facility, guardians must visit, obtain references, and do everything possible to ensure that dogs will not be caged or otherwise abused. Similarly, when looking for a canine trainer, it’s important to verify their qualifications and seek references to ensure they only use non-violent, reward-based techniques, and training must always be conducted in the guardian’s presence.
PETA India recommends that the perpetrators of crimes against animals undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling, as abusing animals indicates 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 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 for strengthening the PCA Act, 1960. This Act 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 Act, PETA India recommended significantly increasing penalties for cruelty to animals.
