OPINION: Civic official avoided duty

Though Sec 429 has been slapped on the perpetrators, it does not nail the official who gave the orders for the horrific act. It is mandated by law that a civic body must implement an Animal Birth Control programme, & the official took an illegal path to abscond from duty. Besides, the current Animal Cruelty Act was passed in 1960, when the fine, Rs 50, had high value. Like the Motor Vehicle Act, Parliament needs to pass the new draft of the Act which proposes a fine of Rs 10,000 and jail term of five to 10 years