Jammu Kashmir Records Highest Animal Cruelty Cases Among UTs: NCRB Data | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded the highest number of animal cruelty cases among all Union Territories in the National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) Crime in India 2024 report, which has, for the first time, included offences registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

As per the NCRB data, 223 cases relating to crimes and cruelty against animals were registered in Jammu and Kashmir during 2024. Delhi recorded the second-highest number among Union Territories with 35 cases.

Across the country, a total of 9,039 cases were registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act during the year, marking the first nationwide official compilation of such offences in the NCRB database.

The inclusion of animal cruelty cases in the annual crime report follows long-standing demands by animal welfare organisations and rights activists for systematic documentation and monitoring of offences against animals across India.

Among the states, Maharashtra reported the highest number of cases at 2,927, followed by Telangana with 1,890, Kerala with 1,510 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,121 cases. Karnataka registered 320 cases, Tamil Nadu 259 and Gujarat 181 during the year.

The report also noted that several states and Union Territories reported either negligible or no cases under the law. Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura recorded zero cases in 2024.

Among Union Territories, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Chandigarh did not register any cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act during the year.