Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), North Goa, has called upon the public to foster a compassionate society where animals are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. As a statutory body constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the DSPCA is empowered to intervene in all cases related to cruelty towards animals and harassment of animal caregivers.
Citing Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the DSPCA emphasized that all citizens, including residents, builders, housing societies, associations, panchayats, and municipal bodies, have a constitutional and legal duty to care for community animals. Feeding community animals is not only an act of compassion but also a legally protected activity. Such actions help in making animals human-friendly and should be encouraged.
The Society further clarified that caregivers cannot be held liable for the behavior of community animals, as these animals are not privately owned pets. Additionally, any harassment or intimidation of feeders is a violation of their legal rights. The DSPCA has also stressed that all dog bite complaints must be handled in a humane and lawful manner by following the established Standard Operating Procedures.
Offenses such as hurting, maiming, poisoning, or killing community animals are punishable under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), with imprisonment that may extend up to five years, a fine, or both.
The DSPCA encourages the public to report any instances of animal cruelty.
