Budgam Stray Dog Killing Triggers FIR, Divides Social Media

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Police in central Kashmir's Budgam district have registered a case under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after animal rights activists filed a complaint over a viral video showing a stray dog being beaten to death in Magam area, triggering sharp reactions and debate on social media over public safety and animal rights.

Officials said Magam Police Station registered FIR No. 57/2026 under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 against persons seen in the viral video after a complaint was lodged by animal rights activists.

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The video, widely circulated on social media platforms, shows a stray dog attacking a man while passersby attempt to rescue him.

In the footage, the dog is allegedly seen biting the man on the left side of his abdomen as people nearby try to separate the animal from the victim.

According to eyewitnesses and local residents, some persons present at the scene allegedly struck the dog during the intervention, resulting in the animal's death.

The incident sparked strong reactions from animal rights activists, who termed the killing an act of cruelty and sought legal action against those involved.

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Following the complaint, police initiated legal proceedings and registered the FIR at Magam police station.

However, the registration of the case also triggered strong reactions from sections of the public, particularly on social media, where many users defended the actions of the men seen in the video.

Several users argued that the intervention appeared aimed at saving the victim from a violent dog attack and questioned whether those attempting to rescue a person should face criminal proceedings.

The injured man, while speaking to reporters after the incident, reportedly displayed visible bite marks on his body and questioned the filing of the FIR against those who came to his rescue.

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He said the passersby intervened only to save him from the attacking dog.

Many social media users reacting to the viral video also referred to previous incidents in which stray dogs allegedly mauled children and injured residents in different districts of Kashmir.

Some users further questioned the response of animal rights activists, alleging that such groups often remain silent when people are attacked or killed in stray dog incidents.

Animal rights activists, however, maintained that cruelty against animals cannot be justified and called for lawful and humane mechanisms to address the growing stray dog issue.

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