Members of various animal rights organizations and individuals alike conducted a rally in Race Course on Sunday to draw the Centre’s attention to issues regarding the ill-treatment meted out to animals, and to increase punishments and fines on those who indulge in crime against animals.

More than 100 volunteers rallied around Race Course in the evening to create awareness on crime against animals and the importance of increasing the fine amount so that such crimes are reduced in  future.

“Cruelty to animals is increasing day by day and the government is not bothered. Do you know what’s the punishment for animal cruelty of all kinds and severity? A mere Rs.50!” said V. Aravind, one of the volunteers of the Humane Animal Society, which organised the event.

He further added that the walk was to show that animal lovers are always there to support animals that suffer cruelty, and that politicians should make sure that their vote counts.

“We decide who should rule us and we would only select those who take good policy based decisions, especially relating to animal cruelty,” he informed.

The rally was part of the nationwide awareness march, which happened in over 70 cities in the country. A signature campaign was also conducted at the end of the rally.

However activists and members of the public criticized the Humane Animal Society for not actively engaging inot rescuing animals in distress. “It is not just enough to organise such rallies. It is important to get on the ground and help animals whenever there is a distress call”, they said.