Varanasi Dog Cruelty: Man Shoots Two Community Dogs With Air Gun; PETA India Takes Action - VIDEO

Varanasi authorities have registered a criminal complaint after two community dogs were allegedly shot with an air gun in recent incidents. Tingo and Ghungru, residents of the Shivpur area, were targeted in separate attacks. Dr Aakansha Singh, the dogs' caregiver, confronted the suspected shooter, Avinash Chandra Sinha, who allegedly threatened to kill both animals with a firearm.

On the following day, Ghungru sustained a neck injury from the same weapon. Both dogs required emergency medical care and subsequent surgeries, currently under the supervision of their caregiver.

PETA India collaborated with the Varanasi Police Commissionerate, Shivpur Police Station, Dr Singh, and former Union Minister Smt Maneka Gandhi to file an FIR under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The FIR addresses intentional acts of cruelty resulting in grievous harm to animals, with penalties including up to five years imprisonment and a fine.

PETA India has also called for psychiatric assessments and counseling for individuals who engage in animal abuse, citing research indicating a strong link between animal cruelty and other violent crimes. A study published in the Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal reveals that perpetrators of animal cruelty are three times more likely to commit other violent offenses, such as murder, rape, and assault.