Nearly 300 officers from the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate recently participated in a two-day workshop at the City Police Commissioner’s office aimed at strengthening action against animal cruelty. The programme was organised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, with a similar session held for assistant directors and veterinary officers of the Bengaluru Urban Animal Husbandry Department to clarify their investigative duties, legal responsibilities, and procedural guidelines.
The three-hour training brought together head constables, assistant sub-inspectors, sub-inspectors, and inspectors from all police zones — East, West, North, South, Central, Northeast, Southeast, and Central divisions. Officers were briefed on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended 2022); the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; and other relevant animal welfare legislations.
A follow-up workshop for local volunteers is scheduled for August 9, aimed at equipping them with practical legal knowledge and strategies for handling cruelty cases.
PETA India’s Legal Advisor and Director of Cruelty Response, Meet Ashar, emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement and animal welfare authorities. “The role of police and animal husbandry officials is vital in ensuring animal safety. Bengaluru’s zero-tolerance approach to cruelty will protect both animals and society,” Ashar said.
This initiative highlights Bengaluru’s growing commitment to safeguarding animals through awareness, legal enforcement, and community engagement.