Bengaluru, 19 May

The increase in the number of animal cruelty cases in Bengaluru is concerning. According to police records, 145 cases of animal abuse have been registered in just the first three months of 2024 when compared to 117 from August to December of 2023. 

Speaking to Salar News a lawyer for Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), Alwyn Sebastian, highlights the limitations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) 1960. “The legal framework for protecting animals is very much inadequate. The meagre penalty of Rs 10 to Rs 50 is not enough for the accused to mend his ways. The perpetrator can pay that fine and go back to doing the same thing again.” Sebastian stated.

In a recent case, six puppies were found brutally killed on 7 May at an under-construction site of a gated community in Kanakapura road. The accused had smashed the puppies’ heads leading to their instant death. In another incident, unidentified miscreants poisoned and killed 18 dogs near RR Nagar on 14 August 2023.

In light of the recent events, Animal rights groups have proposed a dedicated Ministry for animal welfare, revised National Crime Records Bureau data collection to include animal-related crimes, and a new law to replace the outdated PCA. “We have collaborated with other NGOs and animal welfare organisations to file a petition for a more vigorous punishment for the perpetrators like a fine of Rs 75,000, a jail time of two years or both,” said Sebastian.

Other than the 145 cases, many cases go without being reported and are not given an FIR for further investigation. When people report animal abuse cases to the police, many officers are reluctant to file an FIR, hence downgrading the seriousness of the case said animal activists in the City. These cases include sexual abuse, neglect leading to poor health and well-being, and physical violence resulting in death or serious injury of some animals.

Although animal welfare experts are not citing the exact reason for the spurt, many are saying the intolerance towards animals has been growing among Bengalureans.

Animal Welfare Warden with Karnataka Animal Welfare Board Thejeshwar B told Salar News, “We rehabilitate and rehome dogs who are abandoned, rescued from illegal breeding operations. We are currently getting 4-5 cases of animal abuse daily and have rescued and provided shelter to 25 dogs till now. Most of them involve physical abuse or animals kept in bad conditions.” -Salar News