MUMBAI: A reward of Rs 50,000 has been announced in order to find the man who threw boiling hot water on a stray dog at Thane, Wagale Estate . Humane Society International/India (HSI) in partnership with Thane SPCA is offering the cash reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person for pouring hot water on a three-year-old-dog. The dog sustained 70% burns and the injury was so severe that the bones in her right legs were exposed.

Thane SPCA president Shakuntala Majumdar said, “It bleeds my heart to witness these growing incidents of cruelty towards animals on a daily basis. It’s completely unfathomable to know that the man had to pour hot water on the poor animal to shoo her away. We appreciate the good Samaritan for bringing the injured animal to our society for treatment and urge others to come forward with any valid information about this incident so that the culprit can be punished.”

“It’s disheartening to see people adopting violent ways to injure animals. This incident only exposes the skewed mentality of the person for treating the harmless dog with such cruelty. We are hopeful that this reward will urge anyone with information about this heinous crime to step forward and talk to the police,'' said N.G. Jayasimha, managing director of HSI/India.

Getting the attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and other crimes such as narcotics, firearms violations, battery and sexual assault.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Thane SPCA at 91-932271996 with any genuine information about this incident.

Meanwhile, in the earlier dog killing case at Bhattwadi in Ghatkopar on November 19, animal activist Chandra Singh said: ``While an FIR has been lodged against the man who beat the dog to death in Ghatkopar, we are urging the police to further take stringent action against the accused. Also, we are requesting all news media networks to proper highlight the latest Supreme Court order which prohibits any indiscriminate culling of stray dogs.''

Singh added that some of the recent news articles have wrongly reported about the Supreme Court order, leading to further misunderstandings and confusion about animal rights among the masses.

``The dog haters are quoting the wrong media reports as an excuse to do illegal animal abuse. Strict police action will ensure that people do not hit mute and innocent animals,'' said Singh.

