Animal rights activists organised a rally in Bhubaneswar on Sunday to demand stricter laws against animal abuse. The rally was one of the many held simultaneously in 58 cities across the country and 21 others all over the world. It was launched as a citizen's movement under the India Unites for Animals banner.
The activists demanded that Parliament pass an animal welfare bill and implement laws to cover crimes not covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
More than 100 animal lovers took part in the silent march from Master Canteen Square to Ram Mandir Square.
"The world is waking up to fighting animal abuse. This is a massive movement where citizens are coming together and we wanted to be a part of it and raise our voices," said Purabi Patra, leader of the intiative in Odisha.
The members will shortly organise awareness camps and rallies to raise their voice against animal atrocities.
Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee