Several stray cats and kittens have been found dead or injured in Mumbai’s Chembur area, prompting police to register an FIR against an unknown person and launch an investigation.
Animal rights organisation PETA India has announced a ₹50,000 reward for information that helps identify the person responsible for killing the cats. Injuries, including wounds to the heads, were found on several animals.
Four cats found dead on September 3
Rubina Abdul Malik Pathan, who has been feeding and arranging medical treatment for stray cats in the area for the past five to six years, reported the deaths.
According to her complaint, Rubina found the bodies of four cats in the area on September 3. Three days later, on the morning of September 6, she went to feed the cats near the Shani temple, where she found a cat and its kitten lying covered in blood.
Both animals had injuries to their heads. The nature of the wounds raised suspicion that they may have been attacked with a heavy or sharp object.
Bodies sent for post-mortem
Rubina subsequently contacted PETA India and other animal welfare organisations for assistance. Following their advice, the bodies of the cat and kitten found on September 6 were sent to an animal hospital in Parel for post-mortem examination and further investigation.
With the assistance of Pooja Srivastava, Rubina filed a complaint at the RCF Police Station. Police have registered an FIR against an unknown person under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other relevant provisions.
PETA India has urged the police to conduct a swift investigation and examine CCTV footage from cameras installed in the area to identify the person responsible.
