(IN) Cruelty cases - court proceedings

[Guest guest]

With reference to court proceedings in animal cruelty cases, this is something

that I have had experience of since founding Animal Rescue Kerala.

 

During 2005, whilst building work was going on, on the land I had purchased

for ARK, I employed a young man, who lived on the next plot, as nightwatchman,

although after 6 weeks I had to sack him for various reasons.

 

At a later date I discovered that he had beaten a dog to death on my land and

buried it there.

 

I registered a case without delay, he admitted his crime to the police, was

charged and bailed to appear at a later date. I must emphasise that the case

proceeded only at the DGP's insistence, after I appealed to him for help.

 

Almost a year later, by which time building work was completed and I was

living on the land, bricks and sharp rocks were left on and around the wheels of

my van. As I approached the vehicle, after dark, my ex nightwatchman came out

of his house and shone a very bright light into my eyes, intending I am sure, to

dazzle me and stop me seeing the bricks and rocks. There is a deep ravine yards

from my gate; had I driven into it, then it is unlikely that I would have been

found before morning. Fortuitously, a family member, who was visiting, had

already spotted them earlier and so, on that occasion no damage was done, but I

was left feeling very apprehensive for my safety. ARK's premises are in an

isolated area and unless I have visitors, I am alone at night. Again I

registered a complaint against my ex night watchman but on that occasion,

although the complaint was registered, no investigation was carried out by the

police.

 

It is now almost 3 years since the original incident and he is still out on

bail. My advocate has made numerous enquiries at the court but it would seem

that the case has been lost in the system!

 

This is not the only case I have registered against an individual for cruelty

to animals but, to date, no others have been investigated.

 

My case against Trivandrum Corporation opens in the Munsiff Court, Trivandrum,

on 4 September, having been adjourned, approximately, 8 times since early 2007,

with no stay order granted. My advocate advises that, on this occasion, no

adjournment can be granted and the case must, at last, be heard!

 

Avis Lyons

Director

Animal Rescue Kerala

www.animalrescuekerala.org