Sirsa Man Booked for Running Over and Killing Three Puppies, Following PETA India Complaint

After a viral video showed a man running over seven puppies in Sirsa, PETA India worked with the police to register a first information report (FIR) against the driver. Three of the puppies died, and the other four were gravely injured and have been taken by local activists to receive treatment. An FIR has been registered by Civil Lines Police Station under sections 279 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Many concerned citizens had reported the incident to PETA India. In the video, the driver gets out of the vehicle, notices the puppies, gets back into the vehicle, and runs them over. The mother dog and others are seen rushing to the injured puppies after hearing their cries of distress.

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 stated, “Those who engage in animal cruelty were 3 times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse.”

PETA India also urges the Sirsa municipality to sterilise dogs, with the help of NGOs where needed, as required under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, to control their population.

PETA India urges anyone who comes across an injured animal to immediately contact a veterinarian or an animal rescue group for help. It’s also important to stay with the animal and make sure that they’re properly treated and tended to. PETA India operates a 24/7 animal emergency line, 9820122602, on which callers can receive local contacts and advice.