Before human beings, ‘trainee’ criminals gain experience on animals: Experts

Attacking stray dogs with knives or bullets is part of the training given to criminals who are yet to debut in the world of crime or done by people to express their violent personality, said Delhi Police and NGOs working for street animals. The revelation came to light after a recent incident in which a serial dog killer hacked three puppies to death and attacked street dogs outside the Green Park Metro station. Delhi Police is yet to establish the identity of the accused who was captured in the CCTV footage. A police official in South Delhi told Millennium Post that it is not the first case in which street dogs were attacked or killed. For years, such incidents have come to the knowledge of the police. At times, complaints are registered but do not convert into FIR, and several times complaints are not even made.

The official, requesting anonymity, said: “If any such accused is caught and is interrogated it comes to light that attacking dogs with bullets or knives is a practice they do before committing some heinous crime with humans.”

Another police official in the North-east district added that there are several gangs who often attack street dogs to get rid of the fear of using knives/bullets or the fear of blood.

“Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting public. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all other manners of crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault,” said Gauri Maulekhi, Secretary, People for Animals (PFA). Several psychologists believe that if this type of behaviour persists in a person or that person intentionally injures or kills cats, dogs, birds, or other animals, further action is necessary, including parent training, psychotherapy for the person and family, and - in extreme cases - institutionalisation. 

“In the recent case of a serial dog killer it seems that the accused is either mentally challenged or is planning a bigger crime,” said Hari Dandotiya, a veterinarian-cum-animal physiologist.