Target: Seemant Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Karnataka
Goal: Pursue vigorous investigations and animal-cruelty charges against individuals who allegedly strapped or placed firecrackers on dogs and ensure strict festive-season enforcement to prevent further harm.
As festival nights erupted with deafening fireworks, local rescuers described a surge of harrowing animal-abuse incidents. Multiple dogs were allegedly found with firecrackers tied to their legs or put in their mouths, suffering catastrophic burns and, in at least one case, dying from the injuries. Shelters also recounted scenes of chaos as terrified animals bolted into traffic and were apparently run over while fleeing the blasts. These reports paint a heartbreaking picture of cruelty and panic that demands a robust legal response.
Rescuers further reported dozens of emergency calls within days: burned cats, injured street dogs, and panic-stricken animals collapsing from fear. In several cases, the alleged perpetrators were children or youths, underscoring the need for immediate accountability and community education. Beyond deliberate acts, illegal or reckless fireworks use that reaches 100–140 decibels can inflict extreme distress and lead to deadly outcomes for both animals and road users. When animals are tortured with explosives or left to die on asphalt, the line between celebration and cruelty has clearly been crossed.
Accountability and deterrence are essential. When those responsible for acts of deliberate torture face meaningful penalties, the cruelty cycle is disrupted—and future harm is prevented. This petition urges law enforcement to identify suspects captured in complaints and witness reports, bring appropriate charges under applicable animal-cruelty laws, and coordinate targeted, high-visibility enforcement during peak fireworks periods. Swift investigations, publicized arrests where warranted, and partnership with animal-welfare groups will send a clear message: abusing animals is a crime, not entertainment.
PETITION LETTER:
Commissioner Singh,
We respectfully request decisive action in response to the disturbing reports from this festive season, including incidents in which dogs were tortured with firecrackers—tied to their legs or placed in their mouths—and other animals were burned, maimed, or run over while fleeing fireworks. Rescuers and shelters have documented a sharp spike in calls describing severe injuries and deaths that appear linked to explosive devices and reckless fireworks use.
We urge your office to prioritize vigorous investigations of these complaints, pursue appropriate charges against any identified individuals for alleged animal-cruelty offenses, and coordinate proactive enforcement during peak fireworks periods. High-visibility patrols at known hot spots, prompt response to cruelty calls, and collaboration with animal-welfare groups can help protect vulnerable animals and the public alike.
Please pair enforcement with prevention: public notices on penalties for animal cruelty, guidance for families on supervising children around fireworks, and rapid referral pathways for injured animals. By holding alleged offenders accountable and deploying targeted enforcement, Bengaluru can celebrate safely—without turning festivities into fear and suffering for animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Saad Faruque
