Kochi: In a gruesome act, a man from Pathanadu, Kottayam, brutally killed and publicly hung two kittens that entered his home, an act which he 'did not like'. Ajay Kumar killed two kittens by hitting them with an iron rod and then hung them.
He was arrested by the Karukachal Police based on a complaint registered by animal right activists.
The incident came to public attention when Habeeb Mohammed, his neighbor, shared the video through social media.
Ajay Kumar was hostile when questioned about the cruel act and reportedly challenged Habeeb Mohammed to 'do whatever he can'.
An FIR was filed in the Karukachal Police station under Indian Penal Code section 428 (mischief by killing or maiming animal of the value of Rs.10), section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle, etc., of any value or any animal of the value of fifty rupees) and section 11 1 (a) (Treating animals cruelly) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The complaint was filed by Sally Varma, an animal rights activist with Humane International/India, with the Kottayam SP, which was then transferred to the Karukachal SI.
"People who commit such acts of cruelty to animals don't stop there and many of them move on to do the same to humans later on. A lot of people are unaware that crimes towards animals are punishable," added Sally Varma.
