An Indian social media influencer has apologized after facing backlash for kicking a dog in an Instagram reel.
In the now-deleted video, the influencer, identified as Kajal Kiran, can be seen calling for a dog to come closer. As the dog approaches her, she kicks it away, causing the dog to yelp.
Kiran then smiles, and laughter can be heard from behind the camera.Ā
Although the video was deleted from her Instagram account, Vidit Sharma, the founder of animal welfare center Save A Stray, reposted the video on Twitter.Ā
“How can you be so insensitive toward these voiceless souls,ā Sharma tweeted. āIf you canāt love them donāt hurt them.āĀ
How can you be so insensitive toward these voiceless souls
If you cant love them dont hurt them #AnimalAbuse#DogsOnTwitter pic.twitter.com/8HaC2zD7Ea
ā Vidit Sharma 🇮🇳 (@TheViditsharma) November 30, 2022
The post has since gone viral, with several users voicing their anger toward Kiranās behavior. Some users tagged the Mumbai police, citing animal abuse, while others reported her social media.
āCan someone provide details of this woman such as her social media handle?ā one user wrote. āWill be filing criminal complaint against her. Such people are required to [be] taught a lesson.ā
Following the heavy backlash, the content creator has since uploaded four apology videos on her Instagram account.
āI am sorry for my cruel act, this was a heat of moment,ā Kiran wrote. āI regret my actions and didnāt realize the gravity at that point of time. I vow to not harm any animals.ā
In the video message, she claims to have kicked the dog because she was scared. She also claims āabusing is common among the people of Delhi and Mumbaiā to justify her actions. She then apologizes and also claims to be an animal lover.
View this post on Instagram
In two other videos, the woman can be seen feeding stray dogs while reiterating her love for animals and asking viewers to forgive her for āone mistake.ā
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
In a fourth video featuring a text apology, Kiran writes, āI made a big mistake unknowingly, I myself love animals. I have two dogs in my own house.ā
View this post on Instagram
In most parts of India, dogs are protected under The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act. Under Section 11 of the act, kicking an animal is considered animal cruelty. Although the punishment can include a fine of Rs 50 (approximately $0.62) for a first offense, animal welfare organizations have been calling for amendments to create a more effective deterrent.
Featured Image via @TheViditsharma
