The Samta Nagar Police have arrested a security guard for allegedly sexually assaulting a stray dog in Kandivali earlier this week. But the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has raised objections saying no stringent sections have been invoked against the accused.
A complaint was registered on Wednesday by Abhishek Kapdoskar, a member of the Mumbai Animal Association, after he learned from locals that one Prem Shankar Rai, allegedly inserted a sharp object into the dog's vagina, which resulted in her death, PETA officials said.
The police subsequently arrested Mr. Rai and charged him with mischief by killing or maiming an animal under the Indian Penal Code, and sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, said police inspector Raju Kasbe, from the Samta Nagar Police station.
PETA, however, objected to the fact that Section 377 was not invoked, due to which the accused was released on bail on a personal bond of ₹3000. "The police doesn't seem to be convinced of whether Section 377 should be added, but it clearly states that penetration is sufficient to amount to carnal intercourse," said Meet Ashar, PETA India Emergency Response coordinator. “Violent people often start by abusing animals and move on to targeting humans, so this should worry everyone,” he added.
PETA cited the example of Ameerul Islam, who used to abuse dogs and goats before he was sentenced to death for raping and murdering a law student in Kerala. Mr. Ashar said that PETA has written to the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, seeking stringent action.
In response, Mr. Kasbe said, “We are seeking legal opinion before deciding on further course of action.”
