Mumbai: Two horses allegedly being used in a political protest and ill-treated were rescued by the police on Thursday, who also arrested two people in this connection.
According to the police, the rescue was effected in collaboration with the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). They said the horses were being by Congress protesters during an agitation against the Central government's decision to increase fuel prices.
Senior PI Rajendra Patil, Kherwadi police station, said, “We immediately arrested the people sitting on the horses and took the animals to the BMC shelter for veterinary care.”
The accused, identified as Gajraj Jaiswal (48) and Nate Jaiswal (49), were charged under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Police said they were repeatedly kicking and forcing the horses to walk in the heat with people astride them for hours, without food, water and shade. They were also taking pictures with the animals. The duo was produced in court, which released them on bail, police said.
Meet Ashar, India Emergency Response Coordinator, PETA, said, “Keeping horses in Mumbai is illegal, and using them in rallies and protests is also not allowed. Political parties must stick to eye-catching and creative protests that do not subject animals to frightening, frenetic crowds.”
The incident comes two days after two malnourished and injured horses were rescued by the police from Nariman Point, based on a complaint from PETA.
