Victory: Illegal Bull Cart Race Prevented in Ludhiana Following PETA India’s Complaint
Learning that an illegal bull cart race was scheduled to take place on 22 March at Alamgir Sahib Village, Ludhiana, Punjab, PETA India took urgent action to prevent it from happening. The group immediately alerted senior police officials in Ludhiana, and, as a result of police action, the race was cancelled.
Since November 2024, PETA India has been raising concerns about illegal animal races in various districts across Punjab and has successfully prevented over 50 greyhound races with the support of the Punjab Police and district administration. In a supportive tweet, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab endorsed the group’s efforts, emphasizing that animals deserve a life free from harm and should be treated with kindness, compassion, and dignity.
Animals give us unconditional love and ask for so little in return. As protectors of all living beings, we are committed to ensuring their safety and dignity.
Let’s treat our pets and stray animals with kindness and compassion—they, too, deserve a life free from harm. Together,… https://t.co/pMrYqhbLgb
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) December 27, 2024
In its complaint, PETA India pointed out that according to a December 2020 letter sent to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had opined that essentially all animal races are prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 and has declared similar events illegal. The letter warned that conducting such races amounted to contempt of court and urged the withdrawal of any permissions or directions for such activities to ensure compliance with the law. Additionally, such races violate multiple provisions of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the PCA Act, 1960, which prohibits inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals.
The complaint also pointed out that the PCA Act, 1960, specifically criminalises inciting animals to fight with other animals. In the landmark judgment of Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja & Ors (Civil Appeal No 5387/2014) of 7 May 2014, the Hon’ble Supreme Court clarified those activities such as animal racing comes within the purview of animal fights, as they involve forcing them into competitive and harmful situations, akin to incitement to fight.
