Raipur Man Booked for Starving Two Horses to Death, Following PETA India Complaint

After learning from a whistleblower that two horses at a residence in Raipur were severely emaciated, PETA India worked with senior police officials to have a first information report (FIR) registered against the horses’ owner. An FIR has been registered by Tikrapara Police Station under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Following the intervention of local activists Vanchana Laban and Sameer Vensyani, the two horses were transported to a government veterinary hospital for emergency medical care. Sadly, both succumbed to their long-term neglect the next day.

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PETA India has long campaigned to strengthen The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the BNS, 2023, which has now replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, 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.