In a heartbreaking and deeply troubling incident of animal cruelty, a beloved family dog met a tragic fate in Pune’s Pirangut area. The incident has left the community devastated, raising urgent questions about compassion and responsibility towards animals. The horrifying story came to light through a post shared by the foundation Streetdogsbombay, which advocates for animal rights and welfare.

The dog, a loyal companion raised by a local resident named Omkar Jagtap, was allegedly subjected to unspeakable cruelty. According to information shared in the Instagram post, the dog was brutally beaten and then hanged by its owner. The sequence of events leading to this tragic end started when an SOS call was made to alert authorities about the family’s alarming threats to harm the animal if immediate action was not taken to remove the dog from their care. Despite the call for help, tragedy struck before help could arrive, and the dog was found hanging from a tree.

The shock of this incident has sparked widespread outrage, with members of the community and animal lovers expressing their grief and anger. Many are now calling for justice for the innocent creature whose only crime was trusting those meant to care for it. As of now, there have been no reports of legal action against those involved in this cruel act. This lack of accountability has further fueled the outcry, prompting many to urge authorities to take swift and stringent measures.

The Role of Social Media and Public Reaction

Social media has played a crucial role in bringing this incident to the attention of a broader audience. The viral post, accompanied by images too distressing for many to view, has brought attention to the seriousness of the situation and the broader issue of animal cruelty that often goes unnoticed. Organizations and individuals across the country have expressed solidarity, emphasizing that such acts should never be tolerated.

The images and reports were enough to prompt a response from a prominent leader, Aaditya Thackeray, who took to social media to condemn the incident. Thackeray, a Shiv Sena UBT leader and advocate for animal rights, expressed his shock and sorrow over the inhumane act. His appeal was directed towards the Pune Police, calling for strict action against the individuals responsible for the tragedy. He shared, “I just came across a very, very heartbreaking image of a dog being hung to death by its owner’s family in Pune. I am shocked beyond words to see how humans can behave this way. Beyond elections and the other stress of duty, I am appealing to @PuneCityPolice to take strict action against those guilty of this. It’s inhumane. Pets are family too.”

Thackeray’s words have resonated with many across the country, and his call for accountability has amplified the voices of those demanding justice. His statement reiterates an important message: pets are not just animals; they are family members deserving of love, care, and dignity.

Another Incident of Animal Cruelty Raises Concerns

Tragically, this was not an isolated incident. Another horrifying case of animal cruelty has emerged from Pune, raising even more concerns about the treatment of animals in the city. This incident involved a young puppy, named Shadow, who was allegedly burned alive while under the care of an NGO. The details of this case are equally shocking and speak to the urgent need for better oversight and stricter laws concerning animal welfare.

The incident began when a resident of Gahunje Road, Anupran Trivedi, rescued Shadow from an attack by stray dogs. Trivedi, moved by the plight of the dog, decided to foster it temporarily. However, facing behavioral issues, he sought a shelter that could provide a safe and nurturing environment for Shadow. Eventually, he came across an NGO-run shelter in Marunji.

When Trivedi arrived at the shelter, he noticed the poor conditions the animals were living in—many dogs appeared scared and malnourished. Despite the unfavorable state of the facility, Trivedi felt compelled to leave Shadow there, hoping for a better situation than what he could provide at that moment. He even paid a fee of Rs 12,000 and donated supplies to help. Days later, he began asking for updates on Shadow’s condition.

The shelter owner, Rohit Chowdhary, claimed that Shadow had contracted rabies, a statement that made Trivedi suspicious. Unable to shake off his concerns, Trivedi sent a friend to check on the shelter, only to find that the condition of the shelter remained just as poor. The friend’s inquiry led him to a disturbing discovery—villagers in the vicinity reported hearing a dog crying, which ultimately led to the discovery of a carcass resembling Shadow.

Following this discovery, Trivedi dug deeper into Chowdhary’s background, which revealed troubling details about the shelter’s operations. Realizing that Shadow had met a terrible fate, Trivedi filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Hinjewadi Police to initiate an investigation into the matter.