People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), India, has said it will file a contempt of court petition in the Madurai bench of Madras High Court next week, stating that the directions of the Supreme Court and High Court were disregarded during the jallikattu this year.
Citing these reasons, the organisation will also seek a ban on jallikattu.
Atocities on animalsSunil Havaldar, Animal Welfare Officer for the jallikattu in Madurai and Salem, appointed by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), told this to The Hindu after observing “certain atrocities on the bulls” at the jallikattu at Koolamedu on Friday
The Senior Investigator for jallikattu with PeTA said “cases were registered against 21 persons by the Attur Police for inflicting pain on the animals at the event held at Koolamedu on Friday. Attur police also confirmed that the cases were booked.
ArrestedThe accused, including the owners of the animals, were booked under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, arrested and released on bail later that day”, he said and added that 22 such cases were registered by the police during the jallikattu at Palamedu, Alanganallur and Avaniapuram, earlier this week.
Director of Veterinary Affairs, PeTA India, Manilal Valliyate told The Hindu over phone that the bulls were forced to undergo pain and mental agony.
Torturous ways“Organisers and owners of the animals apply chilli powder and chemicals on the bull’s eyes and nose, bite their tail and even break it, poke them with knives and sharp objects to irritate the bulls to make them ferocious in the arena”, he said. “We have evidence for the allegations and will produce them before court. Such incidents stand testimony that jallikattu cannot be conducted without cruelty to the animals. In addition to a case in the High Court, a detailed report on those cruelties would be submitted to the AWBI”, Mr. Sunil said.
