In a horrible case of animal cruelty, a street dog in Chennai ended up losing its eye after a man threw a large brick on its head. The incident came to light on Wednesday after people who saw the dog called up animal welfare worker and activist Shravan Krishnan, who brought the dog to the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary for treatment.
Shravan told TNM that according to eyewitnesses at the fishing hamlet where the incident took place, the culprit is allegedly a man named Alex. When Shravan found the dog, which is 5-6 years old, one of its eyes had popped out of its socket because of the trauma to the head. Shravan approached the Sastri Nagar Police Station to register a complaint in the matter, but said that initially no action was taken. “But after the intervention of a few senior officials, an FIR was registered and the man was arrested,” Shravan said.
The accused has been booked under sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code (mischief by killing or maiming any cattle or animal) as well as relevant sections of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. “It seemed earlier that the dog was aggressive, and that’s why he hit her. However, we found her (the dog) to be extremely friendly. She did not even resist much when we caught her and brought her to the dispensary,” Shravan said.
“Several people told me that he (Alex) is known to harm stray animals,” he added. “They said he hits them, breaks their limbs and also throws puppies.” The residents also allegedly claimed that Alex indulged in bestiality, which is punishable by law.
The injured dog has now been treated and is in recovery. However, she has lost her eye. “She is fine, and will take a few weeks to recover. Once she does, we will set her free in the same area. The shopkeepers around the area feed and care for the stray dogs,” said Shravan.