Ensure Animal Abusers Are Brought to Justice

Target: Amit Shah, Home Minister of India

Goal: Address and penalize animal abuse, including sexual harassment of animals.

In Thane, a recent incident involving the alleged sexual assault of a stray dog has revealed significant challenges in filing animal abuse cases under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case, reported by animal activist Sushant Tomar, underscores the difficulties activists face in seeking justice for animals due to the lack of specific legal provisions under the BNS. The previous Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 377, which addressed unnatural sex acts, has been excluded from the BNS, leaving a critical gap in legal protections for animals.

A stray dog named Rani Pari was reportedly sexually assaulted by an intoxicated individual in Thane’s Vartak Nagar area. The caregiver who found Rani Pari heard her cries and, with the help of a watchman, allegedly discovered the dog in a bathroom, bleeding heavily. Despite presenting evidence, including CCTV footage, to the Vartak Nagar police station, Tomar struggled to file a First Information Report (FIR) due to the absence of a relevant legal section under the BNS.

Vinayak Deshmukh, Additional Police Commissioner, Eastern Region, acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the case could still be filed under IPC sections as the incident occurred before the BNS came into effect on July 1. However, Senior Police Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar warned about the potential dangers posed by the absence of a law similar to Section 377, emphasizing that it gives criminals a free hand to commit such acts without fear of repercussions.

Meet Ashar, a legal advisor and manager in PETA India’s cruelty case division, stressed the need to amend the BNS to include provisions directly penalizing the sexual abuse of animals. This amendment is crucial for reinforcing India’s commitment to a compassionate and protective legal framework for all beings. Ashar pointed out that while animal abusers could still be charged under Section 325 of the BNS, which allows for a jail term of up to five years, the lack of specific provisions for sexual abuse of animals remains a significant oversight. Take quick action now.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Shah,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent incident of alleged sexual harassment of a stray dog in Thane and the subsequent challenges faced by animal activists in filing a case under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) laws. This reported appalling act of cruelty underscores the urgent need for legal provisions that directly address and penalize the sexual abuse of animals.

Animal activist Sushant Tomar provided clear evidence of the alleged crime, including CCTV footage, but faced significant obstacles due to the absence of a specific section under the BNS to support the claim. The exclusion of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which previously addressed unnatural sex acts, has left a critical gap in our legal framework, allowing such heinous acts to go unpunished.

Senior Police Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar has rightly highlighted the potential dangers posed by sexual assaulters, not only towards animals but also towards women and children. The lack of stringent legal provisions emboldens these criminals, posing a serious threat to the safety and well-being of both animals and humans.

Meet Ashar, a legal advisor and manager in PETA India’s cruelty case division, has emphasized the necessity of amending the BNS to include specific provisions against the sexual abuse of animals. Such an amendment would reinforce India’s commitment to a compassionate and protective legal framework for all beings.

I urge you to take immediate and stringent action to amend the BNS to include provisions that directly address and penalize the sexual abuse of animals. This amendment is crucial to ensuring justice for the victims of such horrific acts and to prevent further incidents of animal cruelty.

Your prompt action in this matter is essential to safeguarding the welfare of animals and upholding the principles of justice and compassion in our society.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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