MUMBAI: The veteran animal activist and founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), Ingrid Newkirk , turns 75 years `young' this Tuesday (June 11); and she said that there is still a lot more to be done in the field of animal rights. Talking to TOI on the eve of her 75th birthday, Newkirk said: ``Many people ask me if I have any plans to retire since I am so "old"; but I have a fire burning inside that wants me to do a lot more work for animal welfare. I feel that the existing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act , 1960, must be modified by the new government in India so that those who abuse animals pay a hefty fine or penalty.
'' She added that at present, the perpetrators of animal cruelty can easily get away by paying a mere Rs 50, even if they are caught doing horrible cruelties to animals. Having spent her childhood in Delhi, Newkirk was quite impressed by the Indian way of `karuna' (compassion) for birds, animals, and that impression stayed with her as she founded Peta in the US in 1980, and later Peta India here. ``While there is an awareness about animal rights and the cruelty suffered by animals at circuses, film shoots, at crazy bullock cart and horse cart races, we feel that the prevailing governments in India and other countries can make that vital difference in stopping animal cruelty.
For example, in over 100 places in Mexico, Spain activists have succeeded in banning cruel bull-fighting. But, in certain other parts of Europe, this blood sport .
