Ranchi man shoots dog in public with rifle, triggers outrage and arrest

In a horrifying act that has triggered public outrage across India, a man in Ranchi was arrested after he was caught on video shooting a street dog with a rifle in broad daylight. The incident occurred in the Tatisilwai area, where several vehicles were passing by at the time of the shooting.

The accused, Pradeep Pandey, was seen walking along the road with two other individuals. Without warning, Pandey pulled out a rifle and fired at a stray dog near the roadside, killing the animal on the spot. The chilling footage of the act went viral on social media, prompting swift intervention by the Jharkhand Police.

Eyewitnesses expressed deep shock, not only at the cruelty towards the animal but also at the potential risk to public safety. “What if the bullet had hit a person instead?” one local resident asked. The act raised serious questions about firearm use in public spaces and the lack of immediate deterrents for animal cruelty.

The video was shared by locals with Ranchi police officials, and within hours, authorities took action. Rural SP Sumit Kumar Agarwal directed the Tatisilwai police to arrest Pandey. Ranchi DIG-cum-SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha also took cognizance and has ordered a detailed investigation.

During initial questioning, Pandey claimed the dog had become aggressive and had allegedly injured people in recent days. He further stated that his rifle is licensed and the shooting was done to "prevent harm." However, legal experts and animal rights activists have rejected this justification, stating that killing street animals is illegal unless done by authorized agencies under exceptional circumstances.

As per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, such acts are punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both. Police confirmed that the incident is being treated as a criminal offense and that a case has been registered. Meanwhile, animal welfare groups have demanded stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such incidents in the future.