Editorial: Animal cruelty, an elephantine problem

Chennai

This horrifying case of animal abuse is not an isolated event as reports emerge from across India every day – about various acts of cruelty perpetrated against the voiceless. In Chennai, just this week, there have been two cases of dogs being pelted with stones, causing their eyes to pop out. Last week, a teenager from Tirunelveli district filmed himself killing a cat - for more likes on TikTok. None of the cases have seen conclusive action against the perpetrators.

In India, it seems as though the punishment never fits the crime as far as animal abuse is concerned. Acts of depravity are being perpetrated with impunity and fear of judicial retribution is next to non-existent. In December 2018, it was reported that the government was evaluating a proposal to raise the fine for animal cruelty – from a mere Rs 50 to Rs 6,000, seeking to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. Currently, the terms of imprisonment vary between 3 months – to 5 years depending on the ‘monetary value’ of the animal as defined by the Act. Section 428 of the IPC deals with punishment for committing mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal of the value of Rs 10 or upwards, and Section 429 deals with animals valued at Rs 50 and above.

There is a clear danger in ignoring the greater ramifications of animal cruelty for the general populace. Criminologists and behavioural experts across the world have time and again highlighted the proclivity of those indulging in animal abuse to subsequently indulge in crimes against fellow humans. The irony of such findings is lost on a nation that prides itself in worshipping animals (even the kolam, drawn in front of Tamil homes in the morning, is meant to be an offering for little birds and ants). But we are also complicit in acts of wanton exploitation and destruction of animals and their habitats, as in the case of temple elephants.

The challenges in addressing animal cruelty are compounded by speciesism, which implies discrimination among animals based on their species – and it has a huge role to play in the practice of factory farming. Messaging campaigns employed by the likes of PETA have managed to create cognisance among millions, and the government has also taken many commendable steps including banning the import of animal-tested cosmetics, and the use of dolphins for entertainment purposes.

But there is an urgent need to reopen the conversation regarding animal cruelty in India. And every vertical has a role to play in this – from the government and law enforcement agencies to enforce stricter penalties; to the private sector, NGOs, the academic community, and most importantly, parents to increase awareness. Concepts such as peaceful co-existence with animals, habitat conservation and humane slaughter need not be relegated to footnotes in science textbooks of school students – they can be part of the daily lexicon. With the right push, the windows to empathy can be opened up in young minds, and that can help build a more compassionate society.