On a popular thoroughfare in Ranchi’s Tatisilwai neighborhood, a man shot a street dog with a gun in a horrifying act of animal abuse that caused widespread indignation. After his heinous conduct created a commotion, the man was taken into custody.
The Jharkhand Police acted quickly after the horrible conduct was captured on camera and extensively shared on social media.
The widely shared video showed the culprit, named as Pradeep Pandey, strolling along the street with two other males while brandishing a weapon. Pandey abruptly took aim and shot one of the stray dogs at the side of the road as the party was getting close to them, killing it.
The incident took place while several vehicles were moving on the road.
The cold blooded killing of an innocent animal sparked outrage among the people of the area and on social media, especially among animal lovers.
Eyewitnesses and residents also expressed concern that the bullet could have hit a passerby if the shot had gone astray. Many questioned the legality of using a firearm in a public space and demanded action.
The video was shared with senior officials of the Ranchi Police by local citizens, following which the administration took note of the matter.
Rural SP Sumit Kumar Agarwal directed the Tatisilwai police to take prompt action. Ranchi DIG-cum-SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha has also taken cognizance and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Pandey stated during interrogation that the dog had become hostile and had recently hurt multiple persons. He claimed that he started shooting to stop more assaults. The rifle that was used in the incident is licensed, he also informed the police.
However, the law forbids killing or injuring stray animals, as legal experts and animal welfare advocates point out.
Police claim that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act makes killing a street dog a crime. The accused may be imprisoned for up to two years and fined money if the act is found to be illegal.
