Dear Honourable Prime Minister,

In our country, there are regular reports that dogs are being poisoned, that cows are being burned with acid, and that countless other animals across India are being mistreated every day. The current penalties for such abuse are not enough to deter people who want to harm animals.

I am writing to draw your attention to the fact that people convicted of cruelty to animals often pay only a paltry fine of Rs 50– the maximum penalty for a first offence under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960.

There is an urgent need to protect India's animals from abusers. If those guilty of cruelty to animals received jail time and significant fines – as well as counselling and a ban on contact with animals – it would help ensure that the duty of having compassion for animals under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution is better upheld and respected.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,