Spare the bull

It is unfortunate that in the name of preserving “cultural heritage”, dumb animals are sought to be subjected to all sorts of pain, humiliation and torture (Some editions, “Maneka’s remark on jallikattu irks Tamil Nadu BJP” and “‘Sport will be held during Pongal next year’,” both Aug.17). Just as human rights have to be upheld, animals too have a right to live with dignity sans suffering. There is no justification whatsoever to give legal sanction to this age-old pastime simply because other countries have accepted it. Wide acceptability by the people must be the touchstone of tradition. A debate on the issue may be an appropriate move.

P.K. Varadarajan,

Chennai