Reward for info on dog fights

New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) An animal rights NGO Thursday announced a Rs.10,000 reward for information on people involved in illegal dog fights.

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) said it come across "horrendous" pictures of dog fights in a ring in Haryana. These pictures were "very proudly" shared by an individual who is suspected to be a resident of Kotkapura in Punjab, the federation said in a statement.

"On going through his Facebook profile in detail, it was believed that he was not only a viewer but also an active participant in this sort of activity," the statement added.

FIAPO's reward announcement is a follow-up to the complaint filed with both the Punjab and the Haryana police by the Animal Welfare Board of India against the individual, asking for strict, just and immediate action.

Using of any animal for fighting, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is a punishable cognizable offence.

The PCA Act, in section III, (1)(n) clearly states that it is illegal to "organise, keep, use or act in the management or, any place for animal fighting or for the purpose of baiting any animal or permit or offer any place to be so used or receives money for the admission of any other person to any place kept or used for any such purposes".

FIAPO CEO Arpan Sharma said: "This is not the first time that such sort of any activity has been reported. Back in January, a dog-fight betting racket was busted in Gurgaon. It is about time the general public and the people involved in these crimes wake up and take the law seriously."

FIAPO campaign coordinator Alokparna Sengupta said complaints can be registered with it at 09871877373 or 09849094113.

"Upon the arrest and conviction of the accused, these whistleblowers will be duly rewarded. Their names shall not be revealed, if required. It is important that such sort of a cruel practice is stopped, for once and for all," Sengupta added.