Dharwad: FIR Registered Against Illegal Ram Fights, Following PETA India Complaint
After receiving a poster about ram fights scheduled in early February in Navalgund, Dharwad, PETA India swiftly intervened by firing off a complaint to Dharwad Police, requesting preventive action to ensure that the illegal event was not allowed to go ahead. Following PETA India’s complaint, the Dharwad police took preventive measures by issuing a notice under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to the organisers of the events (which were reportedly held on 06, 07, and 08 February). A meeting was also held with the organisers regarding the planned illegal events by the police. Pamphlets detailing the relevant laws were also distributed to the public. However, despite these preventive steps, the ram fights reportedly took place. Acting on PETA India’s subsequent complaint seeking registration of a First Information Report (FIR), the Navalgund Police Station registered an FIR under Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 11(1)(n) and 11(1)(m)(ii) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.
PETA India commends Dharwad police for their swift action in trying to prevent the illegal and cruel ram fights and registering an FIR against persons involved in the crime. Spectacles like these are violent and illegal. In ram fights, terrified animals are goaded into bloody battles that often cause fractures, wounds, and immense distress.
Ram fighting involves pitting two male sheep against each other in a violent and often bloody confrontation. The animals are hit and goaded into fighting until one is deemed the winner. This practice subjects them to significant physical and psychological harm.
In its complaint, PETA India pointed out that it is a cognisable offence under Section 11(1)(n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, to organise, keep, use, or act in the management of any place for animal fighting. Section 11(1)(m)(ii) of the same Act makes it an offence to incite any animal to fight with another.
Also, PETA India highlighted that inciting animals to fight by several persons acting with common intention constitutes a punishable offence under Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Additionally, under Section 325 of the BNS, mischievously killing or maiming animals, which often occurs during such fights, is punishable with imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both. Such events also endanger both animals and the public and are offences under Sections 3(5), 125, 291, and 325 of the BNS.
