Meghalaya Imposes Ban on Animal Fights During Local Festivals
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Synopsis
Authorities in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills District have banned bull and animal fights in response to illegal wrestling events at local festivals. District Magistrate R.M. Kurbah emphasized that violations will face strict legal action, as these activities breach multiple laws aimed at protecting animal welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Ban on bull and animal fights in East Khasi Hills.
- Violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
- Immediate enforcement of the ban by local authorities.
- Traditional animal fights have been common during festivals.
- Gauhati High Court's previous ruling against animal fights.
Shillong, Feb 13 (NationPress) District officials in the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya have placed a ban on bull and animal fights throughout the district, following reports of unlawful wrestling events taking place during local festivals and fairs, as announced on Thursday.
The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills District, R.M. Kurbah, stated in a directive that any infringement of this prohibitory order, enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), will be rigorously addressed in accordance with legal measures.
According to the District Magistrate, permitting these frequent bull fights or animal fights would contravene Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
She noted that the district authority has been alerted to the frequent organization of bullfights or animal fights, particularly during local festivals in the East Khasi Hills District.
Such events also breach a ruling from the Supreme Court of India against bullfighting, as established in a judgement from 2014, Kurbah added.
“Given the urgency of this issue, this order is issued ex-parte and will take effect immediately until further notice,” the District Magistrate stated in her order.
An official from district administration mentioned that local authorities will enhance surveillance at festivals and public events to ensure adherence to this directive.
In various festivals and fairs, traditional animal and bird fights have been organized by local indigenous groups and civil societies across several northeastern states, including Assam and Meghalaya.
Last year, the Gauhati High Court prohibited buffalo and bulbul fights following a petition from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an NGO.
The High Court annulled the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Assam government on December 27, 2023, which had previously permitted buffalo and bulbul bird fights during specific periods.
The court determined that the SOP contravened the Supreme Court's ruling dated May 7, 2014, in the case of Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja.
