An advocate has served a legal notice to the managing committee of actor Tinnu Anand’s society after the latter threatened to hit dogs with a hockey stick for barking at him. The advocate has demanded the society’s committee of taking preventive action highlighting society’s responsibility to ensure the safety of community dogs.
Veteran actor Tinnu Anand (80) has found himself in a controversy after he posted a message in the WhatsApp group of his Versova society threatening to hit the dogs barking at him. “Have come back after a horrifying shoot to be greeted by terrifying dogs barking and not knowing who to bite next… Challenge taken. Have a hockey stick to face them… am warning all dog lovers hereon… take them home OR then face my wrath… my society is given advance notice,” read the message.
After the Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Foundation highlighted the issue on social media, the actor has been called out by animal lovers and some have even gone to an extent of abusing him. Actor Karishma Tanna called Anand’s words as inhuman and said, “If you find joy in hurting or hating those who only know love and loyalty, it says more about your darkness than theirs.”
On Saturday, a Borivali-based advocate Manjula Biswas issued a legal notice to the secretary and managing committee of the Versova society, where Anand resides. Alleging that Anand’s statement is a direct and unlawful threat to street animals and citizens who care for them, she accused him of promoting animal cruelty, incitement to vigilante violence, as well as threatening public order, peace, and communal harmony within the society.
She alleged that Anand’s conduct may attract prosecution for promoting animal cruelty under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita for criminal intimidation, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace and public nuisance.
The advocate has demanded immediate action from the society’s managing committee by issuing a formal warning to Anand, condemning his conduct and making it clear that such threats will not be tolerated. She urged the society to circulate an internal advisory reiterating residents’ legal obligations towards street animals, including the consequences of cruelty or intimidation. She has also asked the society to ensure active prevention of any unlawful act against animals or caregivers within its premises.
“As the managing body of the premises, the housing society is legally and morally bound to ensure that no resident threatens or harms community animals or animal caregivers, uphold the safety and rights of all residents, including those engaged in lawful caregiving under the law and prevent the society’s premises from becoming a platform for intimidation, violence, or hate speech,” said Biswas.
She warned the society of legal actions if it fails to take timely action and has alleged that the society will also be held responsible if any harm is caused to any animal or their feeders due to such provocation. She threatened to initiate legal proceedings against the society’s managing committee by filing a complaint with the local police station, Animal Welfare Board, and state animal welfare authorities.
Talking to The Free Press Journal, Anand had justified his statement by saying that he has every right to defend himself if any dog attacks him. He claimed that his daughter broke her wrist while saving her pet dog from three stray dogs in the society. He also claimed that a nearby convenience store has stopped delivering to their society after their delivery person has been attacked twice by stray dogs.
