Soldier Thrashes Dog, People Thrash Soldier

April 4, 2001 Noida, India

NOTE: Update at end of article.

An enormous commotion has been stirred up over what at least one soldier thought was nothing at all.

It began when a Sector 29 colony security guard, allegedly under orders, was seen beating a stray dog with a lathi (a 4-foot wooden staff).

A witness Priya Srivastava reports that upon confronting the soldier, he told her "the Colonel had instructed him to break the bones of all stray dogs in the colony."

Ms. Srivastava, a doctor, describes:
"I saw the dog being thrashed. He sustained several injuries. I took him home and treated him. Finally, when he could be moved, we took him to the NGO, Friendicoes, as I am not a veterinary doctor.''

The ensuing controversy erupted.  Enraged Noida residents had both the soldier and Colonel Sitaram arrested by Sector 20 Police, who charged the culprits with serious violations of the Indian Penal Code of 1860.

Perhaps one of the most advanced  nations in the realm Animal Protection Legislation, India has passed strict laws for the protection of animals and wildlife.

The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) prohibit many activities such as hunting, capturing, injuring, torturing animals and birds. They also regulate zoos, circuses and other activities required for research (source: IndiaLawInfo.com).

The Colonel has since denied the allegations, stating, "I never asked the guard to beat the dog with a lathi. I had merely told him not to let stray dog enter homes. There are a dozen dogs who keep sitting on the staircases of the area's flats. And the residents complain to me."

Originally charged with violating the SPCA Act (which carries a mild punishment), the soldiers have since been booked under Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code, which states:

"Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless, any elephant, camel, horse, mule, buffalo, bull, cow or ox, whatever may be the value thereof, or any other animal of the value of fifty rupees [$1.07 USD] or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both."

Related articles from around the web:
The First No-Kill City: Surprise, It's Not In America
Delhi Police Act, 1968

UPDATE July 8, 2001: Ms. Srivastava tells us the sad news that after a week of promising recovery, "Chikki" the beaten dog took a turn for the worse and died two weeks after the incident.  To see her full report, click here.

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