Of late Assam has been struggling with a surge in cases of animal cruelty, drawing public outrage and raising questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and enforcement. Several incidents in recent weeks have highlighted the vulnerability of animals and the apathy of authorities in addressing such cases.
Pregnant Stray Dog Killed in Doomdooma
A pregnant stray dog was brutally killed by a worker at a meat shop in Rupai Siding, Doomdooma. The dog, reportedly scavenging for discarded meat, became the target of an inhumane attack that left residents of the area outraged.
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According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on December 2. Residents allege that local police failed to act promptly despite being called to the scene. “The police neither recovered the dog’s body nor took immediate action against the accused, identified as Sahil Ali,” said Abhay Bora, animal activist based in Guwahati, while speaking to GPlus.
The delayed response fuelled public anger, leading to calls for justice. It was only on December 3 that Sahil Ali was arrested, but the initial inaction has raised concerns about the seriousness with which such cases are handled.
Golden Retriever Beaten in Guwahati
In another case that sparked widespread condemnation, a video surfaced on November 21 showing a man mercilessly beating a Golden Retriever on the balcony of his residence in Japorigog’s Bikrampur Path. The horrifying footage prompted an NGO to file a complaint at the Dispur Police Station under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the recently updated BNS 2023 animal protection laws.
The NGO also urged authorities to confiscate the dog and place it under their care to ensure its safety and well-being. The video’s virality added pressure on officials to act, yet activists argue that such cases often fail to receive the urgency they deserve.
Animal activist Abhay Bora highlighted the rise in reported cases of animal cruelty. “This year alone, there have been over 45 cases. But I am sure many more go unreported,” he told GPlus. Bora criticised the lack of seriousness among police officials. “They only act when senior authorities intervene,” he remarked.
Nandina Baruah, another prominent animal rights activist based in Guwahati, talking to GPlus said, “The current legal framework does not address animal cruelty effectively,” she said. “Stricter laws are urgently needed. The existing ones are outdated and lack the power to deter abuse.”
Baruah elaborated on the systemic challenges faced by activists. “Filing an FIR is often difficult without eyewitnesses or strong evidence. We also encounter resistance from aggressive animal owners,” she explained. Additionally, the absence of emergency services or a 24-hour animal helpline further hampers rescue efforts.
Activists emphasise that addressing animal cruelty requires a multi-faceted approach. Baruah believes in the importance of community education. “People need to understand the role and value of community dogs,” she said. “Feeding, vaccinating, and neutering stray dogs can help manage diseases and overpopulation.”
She also advocates for public outreach programs to raise awareness about the humane treatment of animals. “Promoting the adoption of local or ‘desi’ dogs is critical. If every family adopted one local puppy or adult dog, it would make a significant difference,” she added.
Baruah insists that harsher punishments are essential to deter abuse. “Animals have equal rights to live as humans do,” she said, lamenting the state’s outdated legal framework that allows offenders to escape justice.
Baruah did not hold back in criticising the state’s leadership for its inaction. “Our Chief Minister has done nothing for animals,” she stated bluntly. “The government has turned a blind eye to animal cruelty and shown nothing but apathy.”
As Assam confronts this rising tide of animal cruelty, the collective voices of activists, residents, and NGOs are demanding justice and compassion for the voiceless. The fight for animal rights is not just about punishing offenders; it is about fostering a society that values and protects all forms of life.