DogExpress
Mumbai’s increasing animal cruelty cases is becoming a serious matter of concern these days. Approximately 300 cases of animal cruelty cases are filed every month in Mumbai. As per the data compiled by the Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSCPA), 2,354 animal cruelty cases have been reported in just 8 months between January and August.
Animals that faced human cruelty included pets like dogs, cats, birds and turtles, to cattle such as cows, bullocks, horses, fowl and goats.
“The data clearly indicates that animal cruelty is on the rise with major cases related to discontinuing basic amenities such as food, water and shelter to animals. There has also been a significant rise in accident cases, which account for 20% of the cases,”said Lt. Col Dr JC Khanna, chief executive officer in-charge, BSPCA.
Recent animal cruelty cases
A 41-year-old security guard at an apartment complex near Chembur Naka, was arrested by the police on charges of sexual assault on a dog.
On September 5, a 24-year-old man, Haroon Khan was thrashed by public for beating a stray dog with an iron rod in Mumbai.
19,028 animal cruelty cases have been reported in Mumbai between 2011 and 2016, though not a single accused was arrested.
A total of 21,562 cases have been reported over seven years. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 levies an average fine of Rs. 50 for animal cruelty cases while the minimum fine under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is Rs. 25,000.
Following directions from the Supreme Court, Maharashtra reconstituted the Animal Welfare Board in July. Headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Poonam Mahajan, the board has 13 members and plays a fundamental role in preventing cruelty inflicted on animals. The board’s work includes sterilization of stray dogs in the state and the development of SPCAs in every district with adequate medical facilities. According to BSPCA, there are 400 private veterinary clinics in the city but only one government-run veterinary facility at Bandra.
“The rising number of cases in the state, especially Mumbai, is a matter of concern. We have already had verbal dialogue with the state government. However, a list of guidelines to citizens, veterinarians and SPCAs is expected to be issued after our first meeting later this month,” said Dadasaheb Murkute, vice-president of the board.
“Our intention is to push for heavier fines to improve deterrence in such cases. Many cases of cruelty to animals were filed housing societies in Mumbai. We received complaints filed by either secretaries or chairpersons from various housing complexes due to a personal grudge against the pet owner. However, some heinous cases of animals being brutally attacked have also been received this year,” Dr JC Khanna said.
Meanwhile, non-government members of the Animal Welfare Board said that they had begun awareness drives regarding the issue in Mumbai and several parts of the state.
“Our endeavour is to sensitize the police, citizens and animal activists about this issue. From a law enforcement point of view, we feel that awareness among the criminal justice system (public prosecutor and magistrates) is critical because as per the law, they have the powers to imprison a person for animal cruelty cases,” said NG Jaysimha, lawyer and member of the board.
Animal rights activists said that punishments for animal cruelty should be made more stringent.
“If the Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra governments can allow an amendment to the PCA to allow Jallikattu and Bullock-cart racing, it is astonishing that states cannot amend PCA to levy stricter fines than Rs. 50 for animal cruelty cases. There needs to be a scientific and policy-based approach towards fine tuning the laws and ensuring their effective implementation to control animal cruelty,”said Ambika Hiranandani, vice president, People for Animals (PFA) and member of the board.
She added that the board will be approaching the Union environment ministry later this year to ensure stricter fines are incorporated in the PCA.
Reference: Hindustan Times
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