Bengaluru: The brutal killing of a pet dog named Goofy inside an apartment lift in Bagaluru, Bengaluru, has once again reignited debate over how India treats crimes against animals.

The accused, a domestic help named Pushpalatha, was arrested this week after CCTV footage showed her throwing and fatally assaulting the small dog inside a lift.

Goofy’s owner, Rashi Poojari, filed a police complaint soon after discovering the horrific act on October 31. The Bagaluru Police registered a case under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11(1)(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Confirming the arrest, police said the accused had gone absconding but was traced and taken into custody. “Cruelty in any form will not be tolerated,” the police declared in a post on X.

Under Section 325 of the BNS, intentionally killing, maiming, or causing severe harm to an animal is considered a serious offence.

It can invite imprisonment of up to five years and a fine, or both. This marks a step up from older provisions under the Indian Penal Code, where penalties for animal cruelty were often limited to a few hundred rupees — an amount critics long argued made the law toothless.

However, despite the strengthened language of the BNS, activists and citizens argue that even a five-year sentence may not be enough to deter violent acts against animals.

“When someone can brutally kill a pet out of rage or indifference, we need stronger deterrents and faster justice,” said an animal rights volunteer in Bengaluru.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, though well-intentioned, has often been criticised for outdated penalties — many sections still prescribe fines as low as ₹50 for first-time offenders.

Campaigns by animal welfare groups like PETA India have repeatedly called for amendments to align punishments with the severity of the crimes.

Goofy’s case, captured in chilling CCTV footage, has left pet owners across the country shaken. Beyond the outrage, it has reopened a pressing question: When will India’s laws truly reflect the value of animal lives — and the cruelty they continue to endure?