Sikkim Police join hands with PETA India to tackle animal cruelty with law and compassion

The Sikkim Police and the State Animal Husbandry Department have teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to fight cruelty against animals. Today, a special workshop was held at the Sikkim Police Headquarters where nearly 70 police officers gathered to learn about how to handle cases of animal abuse more seriously and effectively.

This awareness and training session was held under the leadership of Shri Akshay Sachdeva, IPS, Director General of Police (DGP), and Shri Avichal, IPS, Additional DGP and Officer on Special Duty in the Mines and Geology Department. The training was also attended by Shri Thakur Thapa, IPS, Inspector General of Police.

During the three-hour session, police personnel—including constables, head constables, ASIs, SIs, and DSPs—were trained in the legal provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2022); and the recently introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The aim was to strengthen law enforcement’s understanding and handling of animal cruelty cases.

Earlier, on July 12, a similar session was held for animal welfare activists and volunteers in the state. About 100 people attended and learned how they can work more effectively with the police to report and follow up on cases of abuse. Another workshop will be conducted on July 16 for around 30 veterinary officers from the Sikkim Animal Husbandry Department.

“This is a very encouraging move by Sikkim Police and Animal Husbandry officials,” said Meet Ashar, PETA India’s Legal Advisor and Director of Cruelty Response. “We are happy to support this initiative. Taking cruelty to animals seriously helps not only animals but society as a whole.”

PETA India has been conducting such workshops across the country to create awareness and help prevent crimes against animals. In the past year, similar workshops have been held for law enforcement officials in Gwalior, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Pune, Nagpur, Belagavi, and Hubli–Dharwad. These sessions have also involved veterinary officers, SPCA inspectors, and local animal rescuers.

The urgency of this effort is clear. A report by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations in 2021 stated that around 500,000 animals were victims of crimes in just ten years. Moreover, studies show a strong link between animal cruelty and serious violent crimes like assault and even murder. One study noted that people who hurt animals are three times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans.

PETA India has been working hard to push for changes in animal protection laws. While the PCA Act, 1960 still carries very light penalties for first-time offenders—only a fine of Rs 50—the newer BNS, 2023 includes stronger punishments. PETA has also submitted proposals to the central government urging for stricter laws and higher penalties for those found guilty of abusing animals.