New Delhi – After a first information report was registered against two students from Delhi Technological University for allegedly trapping a mouse in a small plastic box and scalding the animal to death, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India met with Dr Prateek Sharma, the vice-chancellor of the university, to request that strict disciplinary measures be taken against the students. Subsequently, the university issued an official order (https://tinyurl.com/2s5pchuk) detailing the actions taken, including the expulsion of both students from its hostel facilities, a two-week suspension from academics, and a fine of Rs 10,000 each. Additionally, the students have been placed on probation for the remainder of their time at the university and it will be required that they pledge not to engage in similar acts in the future. The students’ parents have been advised to arrange a psychiatric evaluation for them and submit a report within a month.
“Those who abuse animals often move on to harming humans. For everyone’s safety, it is imperative that members of the public report cases of cruelty to animals such as this one,” says PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator Sunayana Basu. “We commend Delhi Technological University Vice-Chancellor Dr Prateek Sharma for sending a message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”
PETA India recommends that perpetrators of animal abuse undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counselling, as abusing animals indicates deep psychological disturbance. Research shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals, including humans. A study published in Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal stated, “Those who engage in animal cruelty were 3 times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse.”
PETA India – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – has long campaigned for strengthening The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, which contains outdated, inadequate penalties, such as a maximum fine of only Rs 50 for convicted first-time offenders (although the Indian Penal Code, 1860, prescribes stronger punishments). In a proposal sent to the central government regarding an amendment to the PCA Act, PETA India recommended significantly increasing penalties for cruelty to animals.
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