PETA files plea against 'Jallikattu'

An animal rights organisation has filed a petition in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, claiming that cruelty to bulls and injury of people was commonplace during the recent 'jallikattu' events organised in five districts of the state.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)-India alleged that all these were violations of the Supreme Court and High Court guidelines on holding jallikattu (taming of bull sport), without harming the bulls.

As per the complaints made by the AWBI-authorised inspectors, police had registered 46 FIRs against those who violated court’s guidelines and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.

The petitioner submitted major violations included violent acts against at the events held in Madurai, Salem, Dindigul, Tiruchirappalli and Sivaganga districts.

A bull was killed during a jallikattu event at Kandipatti village of Sivaganga district, when a group of tamers pounced on it while a spectator was also killed.

PETA India claimed the guidelines were insufficient to prevent cruelty to bulls "because causing the bulls to be terrified and harming this is an inherent part of the game.

"Year after year, the Supreme Court and High Court guidelines on jallikattu and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 are violated during jallikattu events," said the petitioner Manilal Valliyate, PETA India Director of Veterinary Affairs.

The petition sought action against the organisers of jallikattu for contempt of court.