A recent case of animal cruelty has made it to public eyes from Maharashtra’s Parbhani district. A community dog was beaten to death in an industrial area which has caused mass outrage amongst the residents and local animal welfare groups. Following the various complaints by the locals and interference of animal rights activists, PETA India, an FIR has been filed under the Prevention of Animal Cruelty to Animals Act.

What Happened?

The incident took place in the MIDC Industrial area of Parbhani. The dog was being looked after by the community, dear to the locals and regularly fed by the workers and the shopkeepers. According to the report, this dog was brutally assaulted leading to its death by the watchman who was there. The locals told that the dog was fostered by the community and was friendly. The dog was not a threat and thus the violent response was highly inappropriate.

Response of Animal Welfare Groups

When learnt about this, the Animal welfare groups took the case to the police station and registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which marks causing unnecessary pain, suffering or death of animals as criminal acts. The Animal Rights Organizations, such as PETA, India have condemned this killing and have clearly stated this as a case of avoidable cruelty which is neither legal nor morally justified. They have pointed that community dogs are protected by the Indian Law and any cases of entering premises must be handled by the local welfare groups or municipal bodies. The police have assured that investigations are underway regarding the same.

The Larger Picture

This case in Parbhani is yet another addition to the increasing cases of animal cruelty across India. Weak enforcement of animal laws has led to a rise in such crimes. Welfare groups have demanded strict punishments for the wrong doers, need of awareness programs along with a better and lawful implementation of the animal welfare laws. Experts have warned that normalizing animal cruelty is not just harmful to the voiceless but also depict the growing issues of social intolerance and lawless behavior.