Members from the India chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Saturday staged a demonstration in Bengaluru, calling for stricter punishment in cases of animal cruelty, given that the current laws mandate a fine of only Rs 10-50 for such a transgression, and a maximum of three months in prison.
A PETA spokesperson told International Business Times, India, that the protest was being held on Saturday because it was World Human Rights Day as well as International Animal Rights Day, and "the two go hand in hand." She added: "And since animal cruelty has been tied to sociopathy by scientific research, it would be in our best interests to publicise instances of animal cruelty, because people who are cruel to animals do not stop there."
Stricter penalties
The spokesperson explained about the demands of PETA: "The current provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act provide for a penalty of a paltry Rs 10-50 to people found guilty, and a maximum jail term of three months. A mere Rs 10 penalty will not stop people."
"Amendments to the PCA Act call for a penalty ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, which should be enough to act as a deterrent for people. A longer prison term would also go a long way in achieving that," she added.
Changes in other aspects of society
The spokesperson also called for animal welfare beyond the realm of pets and stray animals, calling for better living conditions for elephants in temples, tigers in circuses and even wild animals in zoos.
"We don't want animals like bears spending their entire life on concrete in zoos. In fact, the entire concept of zoos should be done away with, and they should be replaced with sanctuaries, where animals can live in their natural habitat and go about their natural activities," she said.
Spreading awareness
The PETA spokesperson also said that the animal rights group often runs programme with children to raise awareness on the rights animals have, and to ensure that they speak up when they see any act of animal cruelty.
"We ask them to contact us on the number 09820122602 if they see an animal in distress or being abused by someone. We also encourage adults to file an FIR with the police against acts of animal cruelty. The police are bound to act on them," she said.
