According to the statistics provided by the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) cases of cruelty against animals has risen by nearly 18% in two years (see box).

Experts opined that the non-stringent Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is one of the root causes of the problem. They said since the offence is bailable, violators lack regard for the law. The statistics also revealed that animals like cats, dogs, horses and cattle are the most abused.