The issue of animal sexual abuse in India, a subject that has long been shrouded in silence, is now emerging as a crisis of alarming proportions. Recent developments and reported cases highlight a disturbing trend, exacerbated by legislative gaps and societal indifference.
The Indian government’s proposed overhaul of the penal code, including the elimination of Section 377, has inadvertently created a legal vacuum. This section, despite its colonial-era origins, was a crucial legal tool in prosecuting sexual crimes against animals. Its removal, while progressive in some aspects, leaves a gap in protecting animals from sexual abuse.
Recent reports and studies have shed light on the gruesome reality of animal sexual abuse in India. A report prepared by Alok Hisarwala Gupta, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation (FIAPO) and All Creatures Great and Small (ACGS), documents approximately 1,000 cases of brutal assault against animals between 2010-2020, including 82 cases of sexual abuse performed by men against animals, often resulting in violent and fatal outcomes.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, India’s primary legislation for animal protection, is criticized for its inadequacy in addressing sexual crimes against animals. The Act imposes minimal penalties for animal cruelty and lacks specific provisions for sexual abuse, making it ineffective in deterring such crimes.
Experts stress the importance of public education in combating animal sexual abuse. Raising awareness among law enforcement and the general public is seen as a key step in fostering empathy and responsibility towards animals. The lack of awareness often leads to underreporting and insufficient investigation of animal abuse cases.
Advocates are calling for urgent legal reforms, including the adoption of gender-neutral and species-neutral laws that recognize animals as victims of sexual abuse. Such reforms would align India with international standards and address the changing nature of crime in society.
Some infamous cases of animal sexual abuse in India:
1. Calf Raped in Delhi (2015): In a shocking incident in Delhi, an 18-year-old boy was found to have committed bestiality on a calf. The teenager, residing near a dairy farm area in Najafgarh, South West Delhi, was later admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for psychiatric and forensic treatment following the discovery of his actions, according to OneIndia.
2. Killed and Raped Female Dog in Hyderabad (2016): In Hyderabad, a 22-year-old man was arrested for the killing and subsequent rape of a female dog. The dog’s owners discovered the accused engaged in unnatural sexual intercourse with their pet. The man attempted to flee but was apprehended by locals and handed over to the police. The story was published on IndiaToday.
3. Pregnant Goat Gang Raped in Haryana (2018): In a village in Haryana’s Mewat district, eight men were booked by the police for the rape of a pregnant goat, reported Hindustan Times. The seven-year-old goat succumbed to fatal wounds a day after the assault. Three of the accused were caught in the act by the goat’s owner and were subsequently beaten by villagers.
4. Female Stray Dog Raped in Kolkata (2018): In Kolkata, a man was caught raping a street dog inside his residence. Witnesses saw the drunk man luring the canine into his house and followed him, suspecting foul play. They found the dog with its mouth tied with a rope, being sexually assaulted by the man, who was later arrested.
5. Stray Dog Sexually Assaulted in Odisha (2020): A 68-year-old security guard was arrested in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for sexually assaulting a stray dog, according to New Indian Express. The incident occurred near an apartment complex in Infocity. The animal was examined at Saheed Nagar Veterinary Hospital and then taken to an animal shelter.
6. Man Raped Over 30 Stray Dogs in Mumbai (2021): In Mumbai’s Juhu area, a 67-year-old vegetable trader was arrested for sexually abusing a dog. An NGO volunteer caught the man in the act and provided video evidence to the police. It was suspected that the man had raped over 30 dogs over a long period, MidDay reported this incident.
7. Street Dog Sexually Abused in Mumbai (2021): A 20-year-old bread vendor was caught on CCTV sexually abusing a female dog in Mumbai’s Santacruz neighborhood. The video of his act went viral, according to The Times of India, leading to his flight from the city.
8. Gang-Raped Monitor Lizard in Maharashtra (2022): In the most recent case, four men were captured on camera traps in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, gang-raping a Bengal monitor lizard, reported IndiaToday. The incident occurred in Gothane village, Ratnagiri district. The men were arrested for this heinous act.
In response to these harrowing incidents, a significant movement has emerged on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where activists and concerned citizens are raising their voices against animal sexual abuse. The hashtag #StopAnimalRape has become a rallying cry, uniting people from various walks of life in their demand for stronger legal protections for animals and stricter punishment for perpetrators of such abuse.
https://twitter.com/iammukundkumar/status/1736346612115660869
The crisis of animal sexual abuse in India is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Legal reforms, public education, and societal change are essential in addressing this crisis and ensuring justice and protection for the most vulnerable victims. The country stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to set a precedent in animal rights and welfare.
This is not limited to India. In a deeply troubling development, there have been reports of a growing trend in Europe where individuals are traveling to countries like Serbia to engage in sexual activities with animals, particularly dogs. According to a post on Nairaland Forum, these acts are occurring in so-called ‘animal brothels’, with Belgrade, Serbia, being cited as a hotspot for such activities.
Advertisements online are reportedly offering animal sex for fees ranging between 70 and 150 Euros, with an additional charge for filming the act. This alarming trend, which includes tourists from various countries, underscores a disturbing aspect of animal exploitation and abuse. It raises serious concerns about the ethical and moral boundaries being crossed, as well as the need for stringent legal measures to combat such heinous practices.
