Mumbai: Six stray cats brutally killed in Govandi; case registered

Six stray cats found dead and mutilated, FIR registered (File pic)

A case of brutal killings of stray cats in Govandi, Mumbai, has surfaced. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) India has highlighted the matter and an FIR has been registered at the RCF Police Station, Chembur.

The complainant, Rubeena Abdul Malik Pathan (53), who has also been a caretaker for community animals for 6 years now, has said in her statement to the police that she found 6 community cats cruelly killed and mutilated in the Kamawadi area, Govandi, between Thursday and Saturday morning last week.

As per the FIR, when Rubeena went to feed the community cats, she found four deceased cats on September 3 and subsequently two deceased cats on September 5. "I was convinced that some unknown person had deliberately and cruelly killed the stray cats in the area. Post which, I complained about this to PETA," said Rubeena in her statement to the RCF Police.

Ishani Rathee, Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India and a lawyer, told Midday, "After Rubeena reported the incident to us, our volunteers further assisted her in formally registering the police case."

Case registered

Following the complaint, a case has been registered under Section 325 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 11(1)(a), 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Zone 1), Sameer Shaikh, said, "A stray cat and its kitten were found dead near the Shani Temple at Panjrapol, and further investigation into the matter is underway."

"PETA has learned that nearly 20 cats were killed, mutilated bodies were found by Rubeena since August, but we could provide photo evidence only for 6 thus the FIR only notes 6," said Rathee

"To help, PETA India is offering a reward of up to Rs 50,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing these animals," stated PETA in a statement. "Anyone with information about this crime can contact PETA India at info@petaindia.org. Informants' identities will be kept confidential upon request," added PETA.

Citing an International Journal published research, PETA stated that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals, including humans.