An otherwise unique method to spread awareness regarding the deadly COVID-19 by an Andhra Pradesh cop has come under severe criticism by some netizens.
Sub-Inspector of Police Maruthi Shankar was seen riding a horse painted with the Coronavirus, spreading awareness about the micro-organism to the residents of the Peapully Mandal of Kurnool District.
Andhra Pradesh: Sub Inspector Maruti Sankar, Peapally Mandal, Kurnool district rides a horse painted with images of #COVID19 virus, to create awareness among the public about the pandemic pic.twitter.com/xIFsktWahG
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
This came after the Tamil Nadu Police wore a hat in the form of the virus to spread awareness amongst the motorists.
While this may appear to be an innovative method, it has come under sharp criticism from the netizens.
Police in Southern states is just killing it. So many inovative ways to create awareness. https://t.co/Q8uQgQA150
— Manisha Mondal (@manishamondal25) March 31, 2020
Poor horse
Animals don’t have rights
Neither can they protest
Where is @peta @PetaIndia ?
If you are looking for novel methods of creating awareness wear a a #COVID19 helmet
Leave the animals alone https://t.co/8NAL6SpNet— Leena Mathew (@leenasind) March 31, 2020
Many have said that this act is in violation of the Animals Act and have called on the Animal Welfare Board to take action against the cop.
The cop defended his actions and sough to link the spread of the deadly virus to the speed of the horse.
“Moreover, the horse is also a symbolic representation to explain the speed at which the virus can spread,” the sub-inspector said.
This comes at a time when the Supreme Court has held that Right to Dignity extends to all living beings including animals.