Pankaja Munde Orders Action After Cat Thrown From Ambernath Building

Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde has ordered the Thane district Superintendent of Police to take immediate action against an individual allegedly involved in throwing a cat from the 12th floor of a residential building in Ambernath. The incident occurred on July 26 at the Royal Flora Phase-2 complex, resulting in the animal's death.

The minister's intervention follows widespread public outrage after a video purportedly showing the act was circulated on social media. The viral footage sparked significant anger among animal lovers and local animal welfare organizations, who alleged that a kitten was thrown from the high-rise structure and died as a result of the fall.

Prior to the minister's involvement, local animal welfare groups had expressed strong displeasure regarding an alleged lack of action by law enforcement authorities in the matter. Activists had publicly sought immediate intervention from authorities to ensure the incident was investigated.

Taking formal note of the allegations, Munde dispatched a written communication to the Thane Superintendent of Police, urging the department to conduct an immediate inquiry. In her letter, the minister stressed that cruelty toward animals should not be tolerated under any circumstances, highlighting the importance of protecting animal life and describing the alleged act as unacceptable.

Police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the July 26 incident to determine whether provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other applicable laws can be invoked against the person allegedly responsible.

In addition to calling for an inquiry, Munde requested that authorities take appropriate legal action at the earliest opportunity and submit a formal report detailing the steps taken in the matter.

Copies of the minister's communication were also forwarded to the Thane District Collector, who serves as the chairman of the District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as the Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry and the member secretary of the committee.

The minister's intervention has brought renewed focus to the case, with animal welfare activists awaiting the outcome of the police inquiry and formal action against the individual allegedly responsible for the cat's death.