There are some people who enjoy Deepavali or Diwali by tying crackers to the tails of stray animals or by throwing crackers at them. If you are one of them then beware as such acts can put you behind the bars. The animal husbandry department this year, has decided to deal with such mischief with strict repercussions.
“The department will initiate legal action against those found causing any physical and mental discomfort to stray animals by exploding crackers near them. Animal welfare is our prime concern now,” said TS Jawahar, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare department.
“Section 11 (1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, prohibits causing unnecessary pain and sufferings to animals. Anyone found acting in any manner that would compromise the safety and the well-being of any animal will be prosecuted by law-enforcing agencies under the relevant rules in force,” Jawahar added.
Who is Authorized to Take Action Against the Culprits?
Collectors of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) at the district level, regional joint director of animal husbandry, assistant director of animal husbandry and veterinary assistant surgeon of the concerned district can initiate legal action against the culprits with the help of the police department. All these officials will be directed to keep a watch on such incidents, during Diwali, he said.
Animal activists said in the last few years, they have witnessed a decline in burn injuries among stray dogs & other animals during Diwali due to rising awareness among people. However, loud noise of crackers has a terrifying effect on them.
“Usually on Deepavali day, we receive calls to rescue animals injured in road accidents. Animals have a sharper sense of hearing than humans. They often panic and run here & there on hearing the high-decibel firecrackers and hence are hit by vehicles,” said Shravan Krishnan, founder of Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary. “People should be a little more cautious and humane towards stray animals,” he added.
