At least 65 police complaints of cruelty to animals and one FIR have been lodged against the ongoing Kambala (buffalo race) in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts ever since the High Court granted permission to hold the race.
PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals), which has been engaged by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to conduct a scientific study and inspection of the race, has found gross
violations in the way the buffaloes were handled during the race.
According to PETA, 27 complaints of non-cognisable offence have been lodged at the Surathkal police station in Dakshina Kannada district after witnessing cruelty to buffaloes at the Surathkal Arasu Kambala held on January 3 and 4. In the last two weeks, 38 non–cognisable offence complaints and one FIR on a cognisable offence have been filed during Baradi and Mulki Kambala events.
All the three Kambala events have been inspected by AWBI. It has found violation of Supreme Court’s ruling and several sections of the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and other Acts.
At the Surathkal Kambala, PETA found that the buffaloes used in the race were not registered with the AWBI, the drivers and animal handlers did not possess fitness certificate for animals transported to Surathkal. Many buffaloes had two or three tight-fitting thick nose ropes inserted through a hole in the nasal septum, causing tremendous distress and pain. Some had nose rings and plastic tubes which causes pain and distress.
Violent acts
During the race, the animals were subjected to violent acts, including being hit on the body, slapped on the face, tails being pulled.
Even after the buffaloes were exhausted, they were forced to participate in the race throughout the night and after the race, the animals were found frothing at the mouth, salivating heavily, PETA found.
Dr Manilal Valliyate, Director of Veterinary Affairs, PETA India said, this time a scientific study had been conducted by qualified veterinarians at the Kambala event and they have sufficient evidence to show that the race involves a lot of cruelty to the animals.
He said that a report will be submitted to AWBI in the coming days.
Dr S Chinny Krishna, vice-chairman, AWBI said that the Supreme Court has clearly defined ‘bovine’ and states that the buffaloes are not anatomically structured to run.
“We are planning to file an appeal before the High Court as more races are scheduled in the coming days,” Dr S Chinny Krishna added.
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