PETA’s Statement Regarding the Death of Om Puri
PETA and animals have lost a great friend. Late PETA supporter Om Puri had appealed to the Indian government to strengthen laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
In a letter, he had written,
“Considering that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, was enacted 50 years ago, it is high time for India’s animal welfare laws to get a much-needed 21st-century makeover. . . . I hope the government will put politics aside and give our animals the basic protections that they deserve”.
Penalties for cruelty to animals remain weak – the penalty for a first offence under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is a mere maximum of a Rs 50 fine. PETA is continuing the work Puri was involved in by urging the government to add teeth to the existing law so that it can become a real deterrent to crime.
PETA encourages Puri’s fans to honour his memory by doing something kind for animals today – whether it’s offering water to a community dog, talking to a child about the importance of being compassionate, or joining Puri’s efforts to strengthen protections for animals by sending a message to authorities via PETAIndia.com.
Call for Stronger Animal-Protection Laws