Bengaluru: Campaign to raise awareness on bill against animal cruelty

Bengaluru: Citizens gathered for an awareness campaign to garner public support for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2022. 

Held at AECS Layout, Brookefield, on Sunday the initiative focused on raising awareness about the various shortcomings in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the need for reform to protect animals in India from various forms of cruelty, according to a release. 

The event was organised by a volunteer group of concerned citizens called the 'Bengaluru Brigade for Animal Liberation', who directly engaged with the public to shed light about the key reforms the bill introduces, the primary aspect being increasing penalties which are as low as Rs 50 — even in cases such as beating a dog or transporting chickens upside down, tied by their feet — with more serious consequences and better enforcement mechanisms. 

"Stronger laws for animals reflect stronger values in society. This bill is about creating a system that protects the defenseless — animals and by extension humans, alike," said Ritwik Bhonsle, animal advocate and organiser. 

The event also encouraged participation to sign a national petition supporting the bill, which has received over four lakh signatures, the release added.