As protests continue to mount in Tamil Nadu over the issue of conducting Jallikattu, data on injuries and deaths associated with the bull-taming sport present a grim picture.
According to statistics provided by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), as many as 43 people lost their lives during the event between 2008 and 2014. Four bulls also died over the same period.
The data highlights two occasions in which around 300 people suffered grievous injuries — one in Vadamalpur in Pudukottai, and the other in Alangudi Vanniyar Viduthi, also in Pudukottai, in 2009.
In at least eight instances between 2008 and 2011, more than 100 people suffered grievous injuries during the event, besides nearly 170 spectators who suffered serious injuries. In 2011, in Alanganallur, around 400 participants and spectators suffered injuries.
According to another report by the AWBI, a total of 43 FIRs and five complaints regarding cruelty to animals were filed during jallikattu events held in 2014. On one occasion, an observer found that tickets were being sold for the event, contradicting the State government’s claim, the AWBI report said.
PETA writes to TN Chief Secretary
Meanwhile, the CEO of PETA India, Poorva Joshipura, wrote to Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, drawing her attention to the judgement of the Supreme Court in this regard.
Ms. Joshipura said that it was incumbent upon the Chief Secretary to “comply in letter and spirit” with the Supreme Court’s rulings, adding, “any act or omission on your part that fails to put a stop to Jallikattu with immediate effect would be subversive of the rule of law and aggravate any such contempt, if committed.”
