In a major development, Chennai-based Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has directed Palakkad District Collector K. Ramachandran to initiate stern measures to prevent the mega cattle races planned in several parts of the district, including Chethali, Kuzhalmannam, Manissery, and Vaniyamkulam after the Onam celebrations as they violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
In his letter to the Collector, AWBI Secretary S. Vinod Kumar said any laxity in preventing the race would be a clear violation of Supreme Court rules prohibiting races involving bulls, bullocks, and cattle and that would invite contempt of court proceedings. The letter, a copy of which was accessed by The Hindu , was also marked to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the District Superintendent of Police for necessary action. The AWBI was acting on a set of petitions by K. Venkitachalam, secretary of the Thrissur-based Heritage Animal Task Force.
Mr. Vinod Kumar said that all races involving cattle were illegal and so there would be no question of legally permitted races. The conduct of cattle race amounted to cruelty to animals, which was prohibited under Section 11(1) (a) of the 1960 Act as it involved beating, overdriving, and other methods of physical ill-treatment of the animals to run beyond their capacity, he said.
The High Court of Kerala had issued an order [WP (C)No.22271/2009)] stating that the cattle races were not to be permitted. The court had upheld the directions of the board and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals, the letter said.
Talking to The Hindu , Mr. Venkatachalam said cattle races were frequent in the district owing to the lackadaisical attitude of authorities. “It was only two weeks ago that a mega cattle race was held at Kozhippara near here to mark Farmers’ Day. A leading private hospital had organised it with 150 pairs of bulls and buffalos. It was held with the permission of the district administration and the police,” he said.
