PETA seeks action against KC(M)'s activists who killed stray dogs in Kerala

Kochi: Condemning the killing of stray dogs in Kottayam allegedly by activists of Youth Front(M), an offshoot of Kerala Congress(M) led by K M Mani, animal rights organisation PETA today urged him to expel all those involved and ensure strict police action against them.

In a letter to Mani, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, urged him to "take steps to ensure the strongest police action" against the Youth Front(M) activists who allegedly killed around 10 dogs and tied a few to a pole and took those out through Kottayam.

Expel those from the youth wing who were involved in this killing, and require them to undergo psychiatric counselling and evaluation prior to rejoining. Acts of cruelty to animals like this one indicate a deep mental disturbance, the letter said.

A copy of the letter is also marked to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often don't just stop there ? many of them move on to hurting children, women, or other people, the letter said.

The letter was signed by Meet Ashar, Emergency Response Coordinator, PETA India.

Police said a case has been registered against 15 activists of Youth Front(M) under section 429 (committing mischief by killing the animals) of the IPC.

The activists, protesting the increasing stray dog menace in the state and Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's stand on the issue, displayed the dead dogs in front of the Head Post Office in Kottayam on Monday.