Goa Animal Welfare Body Demands FIR Over Alleged Burning of Protected Python
The District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) in North Goa has taken a firm legal stand by filing a formal complaint with the Calangute police station. The organization is demanding the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) concerning the alleged brutal burning alive of a protected Indian rock python in the Candolim area on Monday.
Video Evidence Submitted in Formal Complaint
In its detailed complaint dated March 31, the DSPCA stated it had received and reviewed compelling video evidence that purportedly captures the disturbing incident. The footage appears to show an individual deliberately setting the snake on fire, an act that resulted in the reptile's tragic death. The complaint explicitly notes that the video clearly depicts the accused placing the python into an active fire.
Highest Level of Legal Protection Under Wildlife Act
The Indian rock python is not just any snake; it is a species granted the highest level of protection under Indian law. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This classification means that causing any harm, harassment, or death to this python constitutes a serious cognisable offence. Violations attract stringent penalties, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment, underscoring the gravity of the alleged crime.
Invocation of Legal Provisions and Broader Action
The DSPCA's complaint invokes relevant legal provisions to ensure comprehensive legal action. This includes Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alongside the primary charges under the Wildlife Protection Act. Darryl Finch, an officer with DSPCA North Goa, has urgently appealed to the police to register the FIR against the accused without delay and to initiate all necessary legal proceedings under these statutes.
To ensure a coordinated response, the complaint has also been formally marked to the Deputy Conservator of Forests for North Goa. This step aims to involve forest authorities in the investigation, given their jurisdiction over wildlife protection matters. The case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing wildlife laws and the critical role of animal welfare organizations in advocating for justice in cases of animal cruelty.
