PETA India Launches Landmark Workshop in Mumbai to Tackle Animal Cruelty

Mumbai Takes a Stand Against Animal Abuse

Mumbai, long known as India’s financial capital, is increasingly grappling with another troubling statistic — the rising number of animal cruelty cases. In response to this growing concern, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India organized its first-ever workshop in the city to educate citizens on how to fight crimes against animals effectively.

The event, which drew over 150 animal rescuers, rights activists, and concerned citizens, was not just an awareness program but also a training session designed to empower people to take legal and social action.

A Unique Initiative in the Heart of Mumbai

The workshop was held on Sunday at a suburban hotel in Mumbai and was led by Meet Ashar, legal advisor and director of Cruelty Response at PETA India. Sessions included practical demonstrations on:

• Filing FIRs and Preliminary Offense Reports (PORs).
• Documenting evidence of animal abuse for stronger cases.
• Understanding key legislations like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended 2022), and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

By blending legal education with hands-on examples, the workshop highlighted how ordinary citizens can serve as the first line of defense for animals in distress.

Voices of Support: Leadership and Law

The workshop was graced by former Member of Parliament Poonam Mahajan, who has long been associated with animal welfare initiatives in India. Addressing the audience, she stressed the connection between animal cruelty and broader societal safety:

“Combating cruelty to animals is crucial to ensure a safer society for all, as people who harm animals often do not stop at animals,” Mahajan remarked.

Her presence added political weight to the event, signaling that animal welfare is no longer a fringe concern but a mainstream issue demanding attention.

Beyond Compassion: The Legal Link

One of the workshop’s major takeaways was the link between animal abuse and violent crime. Studies have repeatedly shown that individuals who abuse animals are three times more likely to commit crimes like assault, robbery, and even homicide.

This chilling connection was underscored by PETA India’s call to strengthen penalties under the PCA Act, 1960. The Act currently prescribes a maximum fine of only ₹50 for first-time offenders — a figure that many argue makes a mockery of justice.

Although the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 introduces stronger punishments, PETA has formally urged the central government to amend the PCA Act and align it with modern standards of justice.

Empowering Citizens, Protecting Animals

According to Meet Ashar, the workshop’s success lies in its ability to transform passive concern into active intervention.

“We are thankful for the participants’ commitment to ending cruelty to animals and creating a kinder society,” Ashar said, adding that such workshops give people the legal confidence to intervene in cases of abuse.

From learning how to document abuse cases with photographs to understanding how to approach law enforcement, participants walked away with practical tools they could apply in their own neighborhoods.

Why This Matters Now

Mumbai has seen a noticeable rise in cases of cruelty — from abandonment of pets to abuse of street animals. Activists argue that without citizen vigilance and stronger laws, such incidents will only grow.

The workshop arrives at a crucial time when:

• Awareness is rising, but enforcement remains patchy.
• Street animals continue to face neglect, with limited shelters available.
• Legal loopholes allow repeat offenders to escape with minimal consequences.

By educating ordinary citizens, PETA India is aiming to create community-driven networks that can complement law enforcement and keep a check on animal abuse.

Looking Ahead

While this was PETA India’s first workshop of its kind in Mumbai, it is unlikely to be the last. With enthusiastic participation and a clear demand for knowledge, similar events are expected across other Indian cities.

The organization’s broader goal remains unchanged: building a society where animals are not only protected by compassion but also by law.

Key Takeaways

• PETA India’s first workshop in Mumbai trained over 150 participants in combating animal cruelty.
• Former MP Poonam Mahajan emphasized the link between cruelty to animals and wider crimes.
• Citizens learned how to use laws like the PCA Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and BNS.
• PETA called for harsher penalties to replace outdated fines under the PCA Act, 1960.
• The initiative marks a step toward community-driven action against rising animal abuse in India.