One After Another, Mutilated Cat Carcasses Turn Up in Chembur; PETA Announces ₹50,000 Reward
More than 20 cats were found dead and mutilated in Chembur, Mumbai.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, September 10: A case has been registered after more than 20 cats were found dead. The RCF police have filed an FIR (First Information Report) against an unidentified suspect after recovering the mutilated bodies of the cats in the Panjrapole area of Chembur, Mumbai, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) India said.
The animal rights group has announced a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing the animals.
The complaint was filed by a local caregiver, Rubeena Pathan. According to her, she had found mutilated cat carcasses on multiple occasions, prompting her to take legal action.
In August, Pathan discovered the mutilated bodies of several cats. Six more bodies, with their internal organs visible, were found by her on September 4. The next morning, she found another dead cat and a kitten in a severely distressed condition.
To identify the suspects, police are examining local CCTV footage.
A Complaint Has Been Filed Under These Sections
The case has been registered under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Section 325 deals with killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering an animal useless and provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.
People should report cases of animal abuse to the authorities, said PETA India Cruelty Response Officer Ishani Rathee, adding that research has linked animal cruelty with other forms of offending.
PETA India also commended RCF Senior Police Inspector Dattatray Patil for directing the registration of the FIR.
