Srinagar, May 8 -- Srinagar- In a first, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has included cases of crime and cruelty against animals in its annual 'Crime in India 2024' report, with Jammu and Kashmir recording the highest number of such cases among Union Territories.

According to the NCRB data, a total of 9,039 cases were registered across the country under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in 2024. Among Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 223 cases, followed by Delhi with 35 cases.

The inclusion of animal cruelty cases in the NCRB database comes amid long-standing demands from animal rights activists, who have repeatedly called for official nationwide tracking of crimes against animals.

State-wise, Maharashtra r...