A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with the assault on a pet dog at a vet clinic in Maharashtra’s Thane. The case was lodged against the staffers of the clinic who had abused the dog. A viral video of the incident triggered widespread outrage on social media, including from several Bollywood celebrities.
The FIR was lodged at the Chitalsar Manpada Police Station in Thane under Sections 34, 114, 511, 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 11(1)(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
Furthermore, the two staffers have been terminated from their jobs.
PETA India also filed a formal complaint pertaining to the incident with the Manpads Police Station in Thane, in which it sought action against the staffers of the clinic.
Both the staffers were arrested on Wednesday (February 14) after the video of the abuse went viral on social media.
In the video, one of the staffers was seen repeatedly punching the dog, who is a Chow Chow breed, on its face and back. Another staffer, who was recording the brutal act, was also seen punching the animal as it struggled.
The incident took place at a pet clinic named ‘Vetic Clinic’ located at R Mall in Thane, which specialises in grooming and care of pet animals.
The pet dog named ‘Tofu’ is in stable condition now.
Vijay Rangare of People For Animals (PFA) has also been working on the case.
“PETA India commends the Chitalsar Manpada Police Station for nabbing the abusers, booking everyone involved in the incident, and sending a message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated,” says PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator Saloni Sakaria.
“Since those who abuse animals often move on to humans, these abusers are a threat to society as a whole.”
PETA India has advised all area veterinary clinics and other places of business where animals are present to check the information of job applicants carefully to help ensure that these abusers do not get the opportunity to work with animals again. The group also asked guardians to remain with their dogs during grooming services.
Additionally, PETA India has also recommended that animal abusers undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling as assaulting animals indicates “deep psychological disturbance”. It said that according to research, people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often move on to hurting humans.
“For example, Ameerul Islam, sentenced for raping and murdering a Kerala law student, had a history of raping and killing dogs and goats. A study published in the Journal of Emotional Abuse found that 71% of abused women with companion animals who sought shelter at a safe home confirmed that their partner had threatened, injured, or killed the animals,” PETA India said in its press note.