Pune: PMC Launches Awareness Campaign Against Animal Cruelty in Public Spaces
Pune, 18th January 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a proactive step in addressing the growing concern of animal cruelty by instructing animal welfare NGOs to display hoardings featuring the PMC logo in public spaces and police stations. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the repercussions of cruelty towards animals.
PMC has provided a prototype of the board to NGOs, granting them permission to reproduce it for widespread dissemination. The signs deliver a powerful message, in line with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) guidelines, promoting responsible animal care within the community and addressing conflicts between animals and humans.
Dr. Sarika Funde, Chief Veterinary Officer of PMC, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with AWBI guidelines, stating, “This initiative seeks to resolve conflicts between animals and humans and encourage responsible animal care in the community. Police stations were provided with these boards for display as well. The boards highlight the constitutional right of animal lovers to feed animals and birds, warning against hindering this right as per Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India.”
The displayed boards serve as a warning to potential offenders, citing their liability under Section 11 of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 (PCA Act 1960) and IPC Section 429. The messages further clarify that cruelty to animals is a punishable offense, carrying potential fines and imprisonment of up to five years. Acts such as beating, kicking, torturing, maiming, killing, or causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals are encompassed under these legal provisions.
The PMC’s initiative seeks to foster a compassionate community and deter acts of cruelty towards animals, reinforcing the importance of responsible and humane treatment of our fellow beings.
