TVK Leader and Actor Vijay Urged to Stop Using Animals in Election Campaigning and to Hand Over Remaining Birds by PETA India After Painting and Release Stunt
Following recent media reports and the circulation of video that show birds which resemble white doves painted in party colours, being handled and released as part of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) election campaign stunts, PETA India has written to actor and TVK leader Shri C Joseph Vijay, urging immediate corrective action.
In its letter, PETA India notes that the Election Commission of India’s advisory dated 19 September 2012 expressly directs political parties and candidates to refrain from using animals for election campaigns in any manner and reminds them to comply with animal-protection laws and the Model Code of Conduct.
Birds such as doves are highly sensitive, and subjecting them to handling, painting, confinement, and release in noisy, crowded environments can cause severe stress, injury, and long-term harm, as well as through potential exposure to toxic substances. PETA India also highlighted that such acts are prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, including the statutory duty to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering.
PETA India has asked TVK leader Vijay to ensure any remaining birds in his possession are immediately relinquished to PETA India for appropriate care and rehabilitation, as well as to adopt a clear party policy against any animal use.
