'Very Disheartening': Alia Bhatt expresses concern over Thane pet dog assault case

Alia Bhatt has conveyed her dismay in response to a disturbing incident captured on CCTV footage at the Vetic Pet Clinic in Thane's Ghodbunder Road. The footage, which went viral on social media last week, depicted two staff members brutally assaulting a chow-chow pet dog. Expressing her concern, Alia shared the news on her Instagram story, stating, "This is very disheartening." The incident has triggered widespread outrage online, with netizens demanding severe repercussions for the perpetrators.

The assault, recorded on the clinic's CCTV camera, led to a non-cognizable offence registered against the two individuals involved, Mayur Michael Jadhav, 19, and Prashant Gaikwad, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Despite their subsequent arrest on Wednesday, February 14, online sentiments persist in calling for more stringent punishment. Thane MLA Pratap Sarnaik of Shiv Sena urged the Chief Minister to ensure robust action against the culprits and advocated for the clinic's closure.

The Thane police, under the CM's directive, arrested both individuals. However, conflicting reports emerged as the post shared by Alia suggested that the culprits had fled. The incident has sparked a broader conversation on the need for increased animal welfare measures. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt continues to focus on her upcoming projects, including the release of her web series "Poacher" on February 23, addressing the issue of poaching in Kerala, India.