Kolkata: The owner of a horse used for joyrides in the Maidan, who pleaded guilty to negligent conduct and cruelty towards the animal before a judicial magistrate, was let off with a fine of Rs 500 due to his economic distress. An FIR in the case had been filed by animal rights organisation Cape Foundation. The sections — 291/62/3(5) of BNS and 3/11(1)(a)(h) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 — under which the accused, Sk Alamgir was charged are punishable with imprisonment or a fine or both. However, after Alamgir filed a petition pleading guilty, the advocate representing him submitted a request to consider the amount of fine imposed, given his economic distress. Taking the plea into consideration, the magistrate fined Alamgir Rs 500. In 2024, at least eight horses were reported dead in Kolkata due to similar abuse and neglect, according to Peta India and the CAPE Foundation. The Calcutta HC had directed the state to develop a proposal for rehabilitating horse owners and providing them with an alternative livelihood.