PETA Urges EC For Action Against MLA Rohit Pawar for Dangling Crab At Press ConferenceÂ
PETA Urges EC For Action Against MLA Rohit Pawar for Dangling Crab At Press ConferenceÂ
Animal rights organization PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) has raised concerns over MLA Rohit Pawar’s recent act of dangling a crab during a press conference and has sought action against him. In a letter addressed to poll authorities and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, PETA highlighted the violation of various animal welfare laws and directives.
PETA cited the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Maharashtra Model Code of Conduct, an order issued by the Chief Electoral Officer on March 24, 2014, and directives from the Election Commission as being breached by Rohit Pawar’s actions. The organization emphasized that the use of animals for election campaigning is prohibited, and such acts cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals involved.
Political stunts at the expense of innocent lives are both cruel and illegal.
— PETA India (@PetaIndia) April 5, 2024
PETA India calls out MLA @RRPSpeaks for dangling a tied and struggling crab to make a point during a recent press conference and requests that the crab be handed over to the group for veterinary… pic.twitter.com/IrEXCRqwAu
Shaurya Agrawal, PETA India Advocacy Associate, stated in the letter that the use of the crab by Rohit Pawar appeared to be pre-planned for a media stunt, resulting in distress to the animal. Agrawal highlighted research indicating that crabs are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, exhibiting intelligence, memory, and communication skills.
PETA India’s efforts to curb the mistreatment of animals during political campaigns led to the Election Commission’s prohibition on the use of animals for such purposes, as mentioned in the statement. The organization pointed out a 2013 notification by the State Election Commission of Maharashtra, which banned the use of animals like donkeys, bulls, elephants, and cows during election campaigns, with instructions to take strict action against violators.
In addition to seeking action against Rohit Pawar, PETA India has urged him to hand over the crab for veterinary care and rehabilitation back into its natural habitat. The organization continues to advocate for the ethical treatment of animals and calls for adherence to laws protecting their welfare in all circumstances.
