Varanasi Man Shoots Two Community Dogs With Air Gun

A disturbing incident of animal cruelty has come to light in Varanasi, where two community dogs, Tingo and Ghungru, were allegedly shot with an air gun in separate incidents. The accused, Avinash Chandra Sinha, allegedly shot Tingo at around 10:20 pm on August 18, and when confronted by the dogs' caregiver, Dr Aakansha Singh, he threatened to kill all the dogs using a firearm.

The situation escalated the following morning when another community dog, Ghungru, was allegedly shot near the neck with the same air gun. Both animals sustained serious injuries and required emergency medical treatment, undergoing lifesaving surgeries and remaining under the supervision of their caregiver.

PETA India worked with senior officials of the Varanasi Police Commissionerate, Shivpur Police Station, Dr Singh, and former Union Cabinet Minister Smt Maneka Gandhi to pursue legal action and ensure that an FIR was registered. The FIR has been filed under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Section 325 of the BNS addresses acts involving the killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless of an animal and provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both. PETA India praised Smt Maneka Gandhi and senior Varanasi officials for supporting the registration of the case.

The animal rights organisation has also called for people who deliberately abuse animals to undergo psychiatric assessment and counselling, citing research that suggests a connection between animal cruelty and other forms of criminal behaviour. A study published in the Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal found that those who engage in cruelty to animals are three times more likely to commit other crimes.

The incident highlights the need for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent animal cruelty. The registration of the FIR and the support of senior officials are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that those who abuse animals are held accountable.

In this case, the swift action taken by PETA India and the authorities has helped to bring the perpetrator to justice and has also raised awareness about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. The incident serves as a reminder that animal cruelty is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that animals are protected and treated with dignity.

The Varanasi Police Commissionerate and the Shivpur Police Station have demonstrated their commitment to animal welfare by taking swift action in this case. The support of senior officials, including District Collector and Magistrate Shri Satyendra Kumar, Police Commissioner Shri Mohit Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police Shri Gaurav Banswal, and Shivpur Police Station Inspector Ajeet Kumar Verma, has been instrumental in ensuring that justice is served.

As the case progresses, it is hoped that the perpetrator will be held accountable for his actions and that the community will come together to promote animal welfare and prevent such incidents in the future. The incident has also highlighted the importance of community involvement in preventing animal cruelty and the need for education and awareness about animal welfare.

In conclusion, the incident of animal cruelty in Varanasi is a disturbing reminder of the need for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent such incidents. The swift action taken by PETA India and the authorities is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that the case will serve as a deterrent to those who would engage in animal cruelty.

The significance of this incident extends beyond the local community, as it highlights the need for a broader conversation about animal welfare and the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. As a society, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that animals are protected and treated with dignity, and incidents like this serve as a reminder of the need for continued education and awareness about animal welfare.