A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged concerning the reprehensible mistreatment of a pet dog at a veterinary clinic situated in Thane, Maharashtra. The grievance was filed against the implicated staff members of the clinic who were involved in the abusive act. The distressing incident garnered widespread condemnation after a video capturing the abuse circulated extensively across various social media platforms, drawing outrage from numerous quarters, including prominent figures from Bollywood.
The FIR was officially registered at the Chitalsar Manpada Police Station in Thane, citing violations under Sections 34, 114, 511, and 429 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with Section 11(1)(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
Moreover, swift action was taken against the two employees, resulting in their immediate termination from employment. Subsequently, they were apprehended by law enforcement officials on Wednesday (February 14) following the circulation of the disturbing footage online.
In the appalling video footage, one of the staffers is depicted repeatedly assaulting the pet dog, identified as a Chow Chow breed, by punching it in its face and back. Another individual, complicit in the cruelty, was observed recording the distressing ordeal while also participating in abusive behavior towards the defenseless animal.
The unfortunate incident transpired at a veterinary clinic named 'Vetic Clinic' situated at R Mall in Thane, renowned for its specialization in the grooming and care of pet animals. Thankfully, the pet dog, named 'Tofu', is reported to be in stable condition presently.
Notably, Vijay Rangare from People For Animals (PFA) has been actively involved in addressing this distressing matter, alongside the commendable efforts of the Chitalsar Manpada Police Station.
Expressing appreciation for the prompt action taken by law enforcement, Saloni Sakaria, the Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India, underscored the imperative of holding perpetrators of animal cruelty accountable and emphasized the importance of deterring such egregious acts in society at large.
In light of this incident, PETA India has advocated for stringent measures to prevent animal abuse in veterinary clinics and similar establishments, urging thorough scrutiny of job applicants' backgrounds. Additionally, the organization has recommended that individuals convicted of animal cruelty undergo psychiatric evaluation and counseling, citing research indicating a correlation between such acts and potential violence against humans.
