Another Goat Rescued From North East Sun Circus in Dimapur, Following PETA India Intervention and Dimapur SPCA Action
During a second raid in just a few months at the North East Sun Circus for forcing animals to perform without a Performing Animals Registration Certificate (PARC), East Police Station and Dimapur Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), assisted by a representative of PETA India, rescued a goat from the circus who was being forced to perform dangerous acts, in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) 1960 and the Delhi High Court order dated 09 February 2022 which directed action against unregistered circuses.
Locals alerted PETA India to a video showing a goat being forced to walk on a tightrope during performances by the North East Sun Circus, which was camped at Darogapathar Kohima Road in Dimapur. Acting on this information, PETA India filed a complaint with the East Police Station. Simultaneously, the Dimapur SPCA met with senior district officials, which led to the rescue of the goat. Although the circus had displayed a red cross mark over the image of a goat on one of its outdoor hoardings with the words “No Animal” written above it, this was a misleading representation. Despite claiming otherwise, the circus continued to use the goat in its performances, even after being warned by the Guwahati Police in an earlier enforcement action taken against it in September 2025. The circus permanently relinquished the goat to PETA India for long-term care and rehabilitation.
People, including children are increasingly recognising that the use of animals in circuses involves cruelty, and they are choosing other forms of entertainment. For circuses to remain relevant in 2026, they must modernise and go animal-free.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is the prescribed authority under the PCA Act, 1960, which regulates the use of animals for performances in the country. North East Sun Circus had not registered the animals or the animal acts with the AWBI.
Several AWBI inspections and numerous investigations by PETA India prove that all animal circuses are cruel. Even in circuses with valid PARCs, animals have been found chained or confined to small, barren cages when not being used for performances. Animals in circuses throughout the country are deprived of veterinary care, adequate food, water, and shelter, and are forced to perform tricks through punishment. Many animals in circuses display stereotypic, repetitive behaviour indicative of extreme stress.
