Target: Deven Bharti, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Goal: Pursue maximum available penalties, a lifetime animal-ownership ban, and a thorough investigation into the reported sexual assault and fatal injury of a four-month-old kitten.
A four-month-old kitten was reportedly discovered bleeding, terrified, and so badly injured that veterinarians had to stitch the animal up twice. The vet’s report pointed to “possible bestiality or violent trauma.” Despite these grave indications, the person suspected of this brutality reportedly fled and has not been arrested. The kitten—later named Grace—apparently succumbed to illness and stress-related complications shortly after the attack.
Animal sexual abuse in India is said to be chronically underreported. Activists have long argued that current penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act are woefully inadequate, capping first-offense fines at just Rs.50—an amount that sends the message that such cruelty is little more than a minor infraction.
The recent repeal of the colonial-era “unnatural offences” provision has, according to advocates, created a legal vacuum for prosecuting sexual crimes against animals, prompting petitions to courts and the central government for stronger laws.
Meaningful enforcement is urgently needed. Law enforcement can and should still investigate and charge offenders under applicable criminal provisions, seek custodial sentences where possible, and request psychiatric evaluations and permanent bans on contact with animals. Doing so would reflect the severity of the alleged abuse and help prevent future violence. This petition calls for the Mumbai Police Commissioner to direct investigators to aggressively pursue charges, oppose bail where warranted, and publicly affirm that sexual torture of animals will not be tolerated.
PETITION LETTER:
Commissioner Bharti,
The case of a four-month-old kitten who was reportedly subjected to sexual abuse and left in excruciating pain before dying has shocked compassionate citizens. The veterinarian’s note cited “possible bestiality or violent trauma,” and yet the suspect reportedly fled and has not been apprehended. Allowing such a case to be dismissed with only a nominal fine under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act would dangerously minimize the brutality involved.
We respectfully urge your office to ensure that investigators apply every available criminal statute to this case, including provisions that may allow for incarceration, psychological evaluation, and a lifetime prohibition on owning or handling animals. The Delhi High Court has already recognized the legal vacuum created by the repeal of Section 377 and has asked the Central Government to address sexual crimes against animals; until new laws are enacted, strong enforcement of existing ones is vital.
We ask that your department publicly reaffirm that sexual abuse of animals will not be tolerated, diligently collect evidence, oppose bail when appropriate, and work with prosecutors to seek meaningful penalties. A firm response will protect vulnerable animals and send a powerful message that cruelty will not be met with a mere slap on the wrist.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Сергей Сёмин
