Target: Arjun Ram Meghwal, The Minister of Law and Justice of India
Goal: Revise and enforce stricter penalties for animal cruelty based on the recent allegations
Recent footage has surfaced allegedly showing a dog walker in India’s Mumbai abusing a puppy using its leash. This distressing video has sparked widespread outrage online. The act, reportedly caught on video, shows a clear disregard for the welfare of the animal and highlights the insufficiencies in India’s current animal cruelty laws, which impose minimal fines as outdated penalties.
Further details from the video suggest the walker was trusted to care for the pet, named Bira, while its owner was away. Allegedly, this breach of trust not only endangers the animal but also raises questions about the screening processes for pet caretakers. Malini Agrawal, a prominent social media figure, shared the video and pointed out that the fines associated with such cruelty are trivial and no longer serve as a deterrent.
Given the apparent severity of the incident and the public’s call for change, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 must be revised. The law’s outdated penalties no longer reflect the values of a compassionate society, nor do they deter offenders in a meaningful way. Demand an update to the legislation that increases fines and introduces stricter penalties for repeated offenses.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Meghwal,
We urge your immediate attention to a disturbing issue highlighted by a recent incident in Mumbai, where a dog walker was allegedly captured on video abusing a puppy with its leash. This apparent act of cruelty has revealed significant shortcomings in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, particularly regarding the inadequacy of the penalties imposed for such acts.
The video, which has elicited strong reactions across social media, serves as a stark reminder that our current laws are grossly insufficient. With fines as low as Rs. 50 for first-time offenses, there is little to no deterrent for individuals committing acts of animal cruelty. This is not only a failure in justice for the animals affected but also a moral failure that we must urgently address.
We request that you take immediate action to revise the existing legislation, significantly increasing the penalties for animal cruelty. It is crucial that the punishment reflects the severity of the offense and helps prevent future cruelty towards animals. By doing so, we can ensure that all beings are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: PlaneMad