An incident of extreme animal cruelty has been reported from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) industrial area in Parbhani, where a community dog was allegedly thrashed repeatedly until death. Following the incident, PETA India coordinated with a concerned local resident and the Naya Mondha Police Station to ensure swift legal action.
Based on CCTV footage and a formal complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the alleged abuser. The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 — including Sections 325, 115(2), 324(4), 352, 351(2) and 351(3) — along with Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
## Cognisable offence under new criminal law
Police said the post-mortem of the dog was conducted the following day, and the investigation is currently underway. Section 325 of the BNS, 2023, categorises the maiming or killing of any animal as a cognisable offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine, or both.
In addition, Section 11 of the PCA Act makes the mutilation or killing of animals, including community dogs, a punishable offence under Indian law.
## Animal cruelty linked to broader violence: PETA India
PETA India has urged that perpetrators of animal abuse be subjected to psychiatric evaluation and counselling, noting that cruelty towards animals is often an indicator of deeper psychological disturbance.
Citing criminological research, the organisation said studies have shown that individuals who abuse animals are significantly more likely to commit violent crimes against humans later. A study published in the Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal noted that those who engage in animal cruelty are three times more likely to commit serious offences such as assault, robbery and murder.
## Public urged to report animal cruelty
Animal welfare groups have called on citizens to report incidents of animal cruelty immediately to the police, stressing that timely intervention is crucial for public safety and prevention of further violence.