Animal activists

Peenya

Karnataka

say it’s time to change the law; cite example of US where cruelty to animals now attracts the same provisions as those for murderOutraged over the “paltry” sum that a puppy killer had to pay as fine for her heinous act, animal lovers are demanding that the law be changed so that it acts as a deterrent, at least in future.Ponnamma, a resident of Jalahalli West and wife of an honorary Flight Lieutenant, had bashed eight puppies against a boulder in March 2016 in front of their mother. While seven of the puppies died on the spot the same day (on March 15), one succumbed to injuries the next day. Shocked, local residents filed a complaint with CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) on March 17 and CUPA in turn lodged an FIR with thepolice the same day. In July last year, the mother of the puppies – Ammu, who had grown up in the locality -- also died after suffering canine distemper and mental trauma.Ponnamma was charged under various sections and the cumulative fine came to Rs 1,000. She paid Rs 700 under Section 429 IPC (mischief by killing or maiming cattle…); Rs 100 under section 93 (punishment for cruelty to animals) of thePolice Act; and Rs 200 under section 11 (treating animals cruelly, including killing) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.All the sections included another charge – that of imprisonment up to 15 days in case of non-payment of the fine. However, Ponnamma quietly paid the fine – she did not even hire a lawyer for the court case that was heard by the court of the 45th ACMM (additional chief metropolitan magistrate).Shocked animal activists, led by Humane Society International India (which took Ponnamma to court), now say they will soon file an appeal. They are happy that Ponnamma was convicted, but find the paltry fines too bizarre.“There are so many studies that show animal abuse is linked to human violence. Based on these studies, the US has made cruelty to animals a heinous crime. Unfortunately, we have not recognized it yet. We will file an appeal seeking justice for the puppies,” Shreya Paropkari, cruelty response manager, HSI-India told Bangalore Mirror.Last year, the FBI classified cruelty to animals in the same category as murder, burglary and kidnapping, after years of research which showed that “many serial killers, like Son of Sam, foreshadowed their penchant for violence at an early age through abusing animals (extracted from a report on the subject by The Independent on January 6, 2016). In fact, in the popular Netflix true crime series, “Making a Murderer,” the principal character burned his cat alive.“There is overwhelming evidence that [animal abuse] is linked to crimes against people, including violent crimes and domestic violence.“It’s not about protecting people or animals, it’s protecting them both,” The Independent report quoted psychologist Mary Lou Randour as saying. Randour is the force behind the change in law in the US.After Bangalore Mirror front-paged Ponnamma’s act in its issue dated March 21, 2016 (headlined ‘Puppy Killer’), netizens started an online campaign and had petitioned the commissioner of police seeking justice for Ammu.“Paying Rs 1,000 and being absolved of the crime is not correct. Proper justice has to be done for puppies and their mother Ammu. We want to appeal and this case should be a lesson to people who think that anything can be done to the voiceless. This case should set an example. Hence it will be appealed,” said Harish KB, CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) cruelty inspector.“The law was enacted 57 years back; Rs 50 was a significant sum then. This fine should be made at least Rs 25 000. Imprisonment should be commensurate with the crime involved.“If a person has poisoned or killed an animal, the crime should be compounded with imprisonment,” said animal rights activist Suparna B Ganguly.“In the US, cruelty to animals is considered serious and equivalent to an offence against humans. In cases such as Ponamma’s, the accused or convict is kept under observation for 2-3 months and sent to orientation or psychiatric classes,” said Ashok Kheny a lawmaker and a US-based NRI.