Sikkim Police join hands with PETA India to tackle animal cruelty

The Sikkim Police and the State Animal Husbandry Department have teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to fight cruelty against animals. 

Today, a special workshop was held at the Sikkim Police Headquarters where nearly 70 police officers gathered to learn about how to handle cases of animal abuse more seriously and effectively.

This awareness and training session was held under the leadership of Akshay Sachdeva, IPS, Director General of Police (DGP), and Avichal, IPS, Additional DGP and Officer on Special Duty in the Mines and Geology Department. 

The training was also attended by Thakur Thapa, IPS, Inspector General of Police.

During the three-hour session, police personnel—including constables, head constables, ASIs, SIs, and DSPs—were trained in the legal provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2022); and the recently introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The aim was to strengthen law enforcement’s understanding and handling of animal cruelty cases.

Earlier, on July 12, a similar session was held for animal welfare activists and volunteers in the state. About 100 people attended and learned how they can work more effectively with the police to report and follow up on cases of abuse. Another workshop will be conducted on July 16 for around 30 veterinary officers from the Sikkim Animal Husbandry Department.

“This is a very encouraging move by Sikkim Police and Animal Husbandry officials,” said Meet Ashar, PETA India’s Legal Advisor and Director of Cruelty Response. “We are happy to support this initiative. Taking cruelty to animals seriously helps not only animals but society as a whole.