Animal Rights Group Raises Concerns Regarding Violation of Welfare Laws”
PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) has voiced strong objections against MLA Rohit Pawar’s recent controversial act of dangling a crab during a press conference, urging electoral authorities and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar to take decisive action. In a letter addressed to pertinent authorities, PETA underscored the breach of various animal welfare laws and directives during the said incident.
Citing legal provisions such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Maharashtra Model Code of Conduct, and directives from the Election Commission, PETA emphasized the illegality of employing animals for election-related purposes. The organization condemned such actions for inflicting unnecessary suffering and distress upon the animals involved.
Shaurya Agrawal, PETA India Advocacy Associate, expressed concern in the letter, pointing out the apparent pre-planned nature of Rohit Pawar’s use of the crab for a media spectacle, which resulted in anguish for the creature. Agrawal referenced scientific research affirming the sentience of crabs and their capacity to experience pain, alongside showcasing intelligence, memory, and communication abilities.
Highlighting its past endeavors in advocating against animal mistreatment in political campaigns, PETA India reiterated the Election Commission’s prohibition on the utilization of animals for such purposes. The organization referenced a 2013 notification by the State Election Commission of Maharashtra, which explicitly forbade the use of animals like donkeys, bulls, elephants, and cows during election campaigns, accompanied by directives to take stringent action against offenders.
In addition to calling for punitive measures against Rohit Pawar, PETA India appealed to him to relinquish the crab for immediate veterinary care and subsequent rehabilitation into its natural habitat. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the ethical treatment of animals and stresses the imperative of upholding laws safeguarding their welfare under all circumstances.
