PETA India, PFA Seek Justice for Civet Cat Shot, Beaten by Police in Rajnandgaon

After receiving word that a group of police officers killed a civet cat – a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – by viciously beating the animal with sticks and shooting him or her with a rifle at the Police Training School in Rajnandgaon before posing for photos with the body, PETA India and People for Animals Raipur worked with the Chief Conservator of Forests, Durg Circle, of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department to file a preliminary offence report (POR) against the perpetrators. The POR has been filed under sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the offence is non-bailable and punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of at least Rs. 10,000.

Research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals or humans. In a study of domestic violence victims, 60 per cent of them said that their abusive partners had harmed or killed their dogs or other animals. PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which contains archaic penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs.50 for convicted first-time offenders.

PETA India will also be urging the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh, to take disciplinary action against these officers if they’re found guilty of committing this crime – and we encourage members of the public to demand firm action from law-enforcement agencies such as police and the Forest Department if they witness any abuse of animals.

Demand stronger penalties for animal abusers.