New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) Actor Sidharth Malhotra who has extended his support towards animal safety and their rights, has now written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to increase the punishment for cruelty to animals.

'Sidharth, who is fond of animals and even owns a pet dog named 'Oscar', has decided to voice his support to animal protection and safety. Supporting the same, he has written a letter to the PM,' the trade sources said.

'Our nation’s primary animal-welfare legislation, The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is woefully outdated. Currently the penalty for cruelty to animals is just Rs 10 to Rs 50 for a first offence and up to Rs 100 or three months in prison for a subsequent offence – barely equivalent to a slap on the wrist,' the letter said.

'As a result, the newspapers are filled with reports of disturbing and egregious animal abuse in our country, including incidents in which dogs were poisoned, cows were burned with acid and cats were beaten to death. This does signification damage to our reputation as a nation that respects animals,' the letter stated.

'If those guilty of cruelty to animals received jail time and significant fines – as well as counselling and a ban on contact with animals – it would help ensure that our duty under Article 51A (g) of the Constitution of India to show animals compassion is better upheld and respected and that society at large is protected from violent behaviour,' it said.

Sidharth is yet to receive a response to his letter from the PM.

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