Cockfights: officials find it tough to implement HC ban orders

1,500 cases booked against punters last year

Cockfight at Pedapulipaka near Vijayawada.

It has become a tough task for the officials to implement the High Court (HC) orders on the ban on ‘cockfights’ during Sankranti in the State, particularly in Krishna, Guntur, West and East Godavari districts, as it is a favourite game for many. Despite the ban, cockfights were conducted openly, with the support of some political leaders last year.

Cockfights have become controversy for the last few years with some animal welfare organisations and NGOs approaching the court urging to impose ban on the blood sport.

Responding to the petitions, the High Court and the Supreme Court earlier had imposed ban and directed the officials to take steps to implement the orders.

In the fresh orders, the High Cour directed the government, Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to take all measures to prevent cockfights and submit the report. In 2016, police registered more than 1,500 cases against the organisers in the State.

Punters, who made elaborate arrangements, are trying to conduct cockfights with the support of some public representatives. Organisers are training the roosters in a big way in agriculture fields in Godavari districts.“Police bind over nearly 300 habitual cockfight organisers in Vijayawada, and the neighbouring villages so far. We request the public to celebrate Sankranti with joy and not to organise the banned cockfights, gambling and indecent shows,” said Police Commissioner D. Gautam Sawang.

Krishna Collector B. Lakshmikantham said that committees have been constituted at mandal, divisional and district-level, to maintain vigil in villages and conduct raids.

Stern action will be taken against the cockfight organisers, the Collector warned.

In West Godavari, SP M. Raviprakash said police were making arrangements to erect banners explaining the ban orders on cockfights, and the consequences, if anybody organise or bet in the fights.

Strict vigil

“We will book cases against cockfight organisers and those who abet the banned game under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1986, AP Gaming Act, 1974 and other relevant sections,” a police officer of East Godavari warned.

Krishna district Superintendent of Police Sarvashresth Tripathi said that instructions have been given to keep a tab on punters, tamers and organisers. Patrolling has been intensified to stop cockfights, he said.