PETITION TARGET: Uttar Pradesh Police
A female dog who had just given birth to a litter of puppies suffered severe burns after a college student allegedly poured gasoline over her and set her on fire, reportedly for “barking” at him, according to news reports.
A milkman who witnessed the horrific act of cruelty in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, tried to save the mama dog by dousing the flames with his jacket. But he told news that the dog was squirming from the pain as he took her to a local veterinarian for treatment.
The dog is now in critical condition, with acute burns across her body, according to news reports.
A report filed with authorities alleges that Devesh Agarwal reportedly poured gasoline on the dog twice — ensuring she was completely covered in fuel before setting her on fire. An officer investigating the case said Agarwal has admitted to being “annoyed” with the dog, who reportedly “used to bark at him,” according to news reports.
The link between people who consciously commit atrocious acts of cruelty against animals and later go on to commit acts of violence against people is well established. Whoever set this defenseless mother dog on fire must be held fully accountable for this act of intentional and possibly fatal animal cruelty.
Sign our petition urging the Uttar Pradesh Police to treat this case with the severity it deserves, including seeking accountability for the individual(s) responsible and any needed interventions, such as counseling or anger management, as well as a maximum ban on owning animals.
