By Dr R B Chaudhary
On April 1, 2025, a distressing incident ( https://x.com/trainwalebhaiya/status/1907102689718382708) unfolded at Jhansi railway station in Uttar Pradesh, India, where a Golden Retriever narrowly escaped death after falling into the gap between the platform and the tracks of a moving Rajdhani Express train. The pet owner, dressed in a blue t-shirt and jeans, was captured on video attempting to board the Delhi-bound CSMT-Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express while dragging the dog by its leash. According to Trains of India @trainwalebhaiya , the video posted on April 1 on X has, by now, garnered over 5.7 million views and a lot of comments.
The viral clip, which amassed over 9 million views on YouTube and a million on X within days, showed the dog resisting, slipping, and tumbling into the gap as the train accelerated. Miraculously, railway officials confirmed the dog’s survival, but the incident has sparked widespread outrage, raising questions about pet owner accountability, animal welfare, and the enforcement of safety guidelines for pets on Indian Railways. This report examines the event, the responsibilities of pet owners, the role of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in shaping travel guidelines, and whether any action has been taken against the owner.
The incident occurred near Bogie No. 193751 of the Rajdhani Express, a high-speed premium train, as reported by Free Press Journal and India Today. The video, recorded by bystanders, depicts the owner’s reckless attempt to catch the departing train, pulling the visibly panicked dog along the platform. As the train gained speed, the dog lost its footing and fell into the narrow gap, prompting a frantic response from passengers who rushed to the platform’s edge. Manoj Kumar Singh, PRO of Jhansi Division, told Indian Express that the dog survived and was reunited with its family, who were traveling in the 1st AC coupe. The clip’s rapid spread—garnering over 1,000 Instagram likes in hours and trending with hashtags like #AnimalCruelty—reflects the public’s deep concern for animal welfare. Yet, as of April 2, 2025, no official confirmation of legal action against the owner has emerged, despite calls for accountability from animal lovers and activists.
Pet ownership in India carries significant legal and ethical responsibilities, particularly under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act). Section 11 of the PCA Act deems actions causing unnecessary pain or suffering—such as exposing a pet to hazardous conditions like a moving train—as cruelty, punishable by fines or imprisonment. The Jhansi incident exemplifies a breach of this duty, as the owner’s decision to drag the dog rather than carry it or wait for a safer moment endangered its life. Ethically, pet owners are guardians tasked with ensuring their animals’ safety, a principle echoed in a 2023 Indian Veterinary Research Institute study, which found that 68% of pet dogs experience anxiety in crowded public spaces like railway stations. Social media reactions, such as “This type of pet parent doesn’t deserve pets” and “The ones getting hurt are always animals,” highlight a growing public expectation that owners prioritize their pets’ well-being over personal convenience.
Indian Railways has established specific rules for pet travel, detailed in the Indian Railway Commercial Manual, which are complemented by guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Pets are permitted only in First AC or First Class compartments, provided they are booked in a private coupe, with owners submitting a written request, vaccination records, and a nominal fee (₹100-₹300 as of 2025) at least two days prior. During travel, pets must remain leashed or crated, and boarding or deboarding is allowed only when the train is stationary to avoid accidents. Violations, such as failing to secure a pet or traveling in an unauthorized class, incur fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000, with severe cases potentially referred to police under the PCA Act. The Jhansi owner complied with the 1AC booking rule but flouted safety protocols by dragging the dog onto a moving train, risking its life and disrupting platform safety.
The AWBI, established under the PCA Act, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding animal welfare by formulating guidelines that complement railway regulations. Recognizing the increasing number of pets traveling by rail—estimated at 10,000 annually—the AWBI has worked to ensure animals are protected in public transport settings. Its guidelines mandate that owners use sturdy leashes or carriers, avoid stressful situations like rushing to board moving vehicles, and provide for the pet’s physical and emotional needs, such as water and rest. The AWBI collaborates with Indian Railways to develop these rules, conducting periodic reviews to address emerging challenges, such as the lack of pet-specific infrastructure at stations. Following high-profile incidents, the AWBI often issues advisories, though no specific statement has been released on the Jhansi case as of April 2, 2025. Its role extends beyond rule-making to advocating for stricter enforcement, a need underscored by this incident.
As of April 2, 2025, no confirmed legal action against the pet owner has been reported, despite public demands for charges under the PCA Act or Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which addresses negligent acts endangering life. Railway officials have emphasized the dog’s survival rather than punitive measures, and the AWBI has not yet intervened publicly. However, the incident’s visibility—viewed by over 10 million people—has fueled calls for accountability, with activists cited in Free Press Journal arguing that a mere fine is insufficient. Historical data from a 2022 AWBI report reveals that only 12% of animal welfare violations in public transport result in formal penalties, typically warnings or fines below ₹1,000, suggesting a pattern of leniency that may persist here unless public pressure escalates.
The Jhansi incident exposes broader systemic issues in pet travel safety. Indian Railways, serving 23 million passengers daily (2024 data), lacks robust pet-specific infrastructure, such as wider platform gaps or designated boarding zones, increasing risks. A 2024 AWBI survey found that only 35% of pet owners know the railway’s pet travel rules, pointing to a critical awareness gap. The AWBI’s role in crafting guidelines is vital, but enforcement remains weak, and penalties (max ₹5,000) fail to deter negligence of this magnitude. The viral video has amplified demands for reform, with implications for public education, stricter fines, and infrastructural upgrades to prevent such accidents.
To address these challenges, several measures are recommended. First, the AWBI and Indian Railways should mandate a brief certification for pet owners, covering travel rules and safety protocols, to enhance awareness. Second, station staff should be trained to monitor pet boarding and penalize violations in real-time, strengthening enforcement. Third, pursuing legal action in this case could set a precedent, aligning with public sentiment and deterring future negligence. Finally, infrastructural improvements, such as pet-friendly boarding zones, could reduce risks, a step the AWBI could advocate for in its guideline revisions.
In conclusion, the viral video of a pet dog’s near-fatal fall at Jhansi station on April 1, 2025, underscores the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and robust animal welfare measures in India’s railway system. The owner’s negligence, captured in a clip seen by millions, violated both ethical standards and AWBI-backed guidelines, yet no confirmed action has been taken as of April 2, 2025. The AWBI’s role in shaping travel rules is crucial, but its impact hinges on enforcement and public awareness. As animal lovers demand justice, this incident could catalyze reforms, ensuring pets are no longer victims of human recklessness on India’s rails. (Senior Journalist and Science Writer Associated with Hindusthan Samachar as State Representative for the State of Tamilnadu)
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
