Law to allow Kambala soon

The state government on Wednesday decided to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960, to pave the way for Kambala, a traditional buffalo race held in the coastal districts.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra said steps will be taken to help organise Kambala and bullock cart race by amending the law.

Kambala and bullock cart race will be declared traditional sports through an amendment. Besides, certain guidelines will be laid down to ensure that there is no cruelty to animals, he added.

The Animal Husbandry Department has been directed to prepare a draft bill – Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 – and place it before the Cabinet on January 28.

The government intends to bring the amendment in the legislature session scheduled to commence from February 6. The amendment will need the President’s assent.