Is a stray animal's life worth just Rs 50?

An outraged group of animal lovers have launched a unique online campaign entitled #NoMore50. The campaign, which is being run by a group of nature and animal enthusiasts known as the New Delhi Nature Society (NDNS) seeks to draw attention to the fact that currently the penalty for someone killing a stray is a paltry Rs 50. The initiative entitled 'Speak for Animals' can now be seen on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, among others.

Speaking to DNA, Verhaen Khanna, founder NDNS, says that its time that everyone— be they animal lovers or not— speak up to change this outrageous law. "Recently, there have been many cases where animals have been tortured and murdered. In spite of this, these criminals pays only Rs 50 as fine, and then walk freely," he said.

A nature activist, based in the capital's New Friends Colony, Khanna is determined to see change on this issue. The organisers will work on their online campaign where signatures will be collected asking for change. This will then be sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

"Most people were not aware about the fine. This is also the reason that nobody makes a noise when incidents of cruelty with animals come to the fore. We hope through the campaign we are able to create knowledge on the issue," said Anubhuti Mishra, one of the volunteers at NDNS.

The organisation also points to Article 51 a (g) of the Indian Constitution which states that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to take care of the environment, plants, and animals. Through this, they hope that more people will feel bound to act.

Khanna also points out that volunteers from the society have gone around colonies and other major recreational spaces in the city including Deer Park, Hauz Khas village and Lodi Gardens in the Capital to raise awareness on this issue.

"Our target is to reach more and more people on the issue. This is crucial for it will take a large mass of people writing to the MoEF to raise the penalty from Rs 50 to a substantial amount. It is an age-old provision under the law, which has not been revisited even after six decades of Independence," said Khanna.

It's not just about changing the law. The campaign also looks to create awareness on laws protecting animals and raising sensitivity towards stray animals, amongst the public at large.