Voice For Voiceless: Odisha Girl Launches Hunger Strike Against Animal Cruelty

Rourkela: Setting a bright example for others to come forward and fight for the welfare of animals, a girl from Rourkela has launched a hunger strike demanding arrest of a man who reportedly killed a dog in the Steel City three days ago.

As per reports, one Agani Das reportedly beat a stray dog to death in Koel Nagar area of the city. When the matter came to fore, a girl identified as Subhashree Naik, the founder of SPARK, a non-governmental organisation which raises voice against cruelty on animals, along with her supporters launched a dharna near Udit Nagar fitness park.

The protesters said that they want to take up the matter with the Superintendent of Police only so that strict action can be taken against the accused person.

The girl and his fellow demonstrators further alleged that even through a lodged a complaint in connection with the incident, no action has been taken to give justice to the killed dog.

“We have been fighting against cases of violence against animals for last 3 years and taking up cases with the police but cops always used to give us baseless excuses for inaction as if animal have no rights. On Friday, the accused thrashed a pup with sticks and later threw its body in a drain. When we reached the spot and began recording video for submitting it to police, the accused’s son tried to hit me intentionally. We saw that police tried to show impartiality by giving more importance to a counter case by the accused and only then they agreed to listen to our grievances after lot of requests,” alleged Subhashree.

The girl further urged that the SP should personally intervene in the case and see that cops are made aware about the animal rights and welfare laws.

On the other hand, the accused Agani Das said that he defended himself and his wife from the dog when it attacked them and during the encounter, the canine was killed.

Comments of police could not be obtained in connection with the case.