Court has started the trial today of the Nayagaon street dog cruelty case. This is for the first time in Tricity that a dog cruelty case has reached the court. Two months ago, a pup was beaten and thrown away from the third floor of a building in Adarsh Nagar (Nayagaon). Furever Friends, a local animal rescue organization took up the case, first at the Chandigarh Press Club and then to the court. The next date of hearing is 24 February.
Ms. Ankita Gupta, magistrate of Kharar session court recorded the statements of the witnesses. Moreover, the police submitted the medical report of the dog in the court. The case is being tried under Section 11 of the Animals Cruelty Act and Section 506 of IPC, as the accused had threatened the witnesses of dire consequences. Accused Ram Verma’s lawyer cross-questioned the witnesses in the court. The accused was not able to reach court on time so the hearing session began late.
Vikas Luthra, the founder of the Furever Friends Foundation said, he would pursue this case until he didn’t get the conclusion. Normally, individuals or NGO’s avoid going to the court, which is why people continue torturing dogs or other animals. Gurjinder Singh, a Government lawyer is fighting this case on behalf of Furever Friends.
Furever Friends is one of the most active animal rescue organizations in the region, with volunteers rescuing injured or sick animals day and night.