Digboi (Assam): A dog and a pony rescued from New Momota Circus & Jadu, which was camped in Digboi until last week, have been shifted to a sanctuary following intervention by the Assam Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department.
The rescue was carried out after a complaint by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, alleging violations of animal welfare laws.
Officials said the circus was using animals for stage performances without the mandatory Performing Animals Registration Certificate, as required under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001.
Acting on the complaint, the department initiated action under the supervision of Dr Jayanta Kumar Goswami, Member Secretary of the State Animal Welfare Board of Assam and Director of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department.
According to PETA India, the dog had been forced to jump from a height of 25 to 30 feet into a net during performances, while the pony was allegedly struck and had his mouth forcibly pried open to display his teeth before the audience.
Following the rescue, both animals were relocated to a sanctuary, where they are expected to receive proper care and live without being subjected to performances.
PETA India Senior Policy and Legal Advisor Vikram Chandravanshi said forcing animals to perform dangerous stunts amounted to cruelty rather than entertainment, adding that alternatives such as robotic animals could be used for performances.
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He also appreciated the swift action taken by the Assam authorities in ensuring the animals’ rescue and rehabilitation.
The animal rights group said multiple inspections by the Animal Welfare Board of India and investigations by PETA India had consistently shown that animal circuses were inherently cruel.
Even in circuses holding valid registration certificates, animals were often found chained or confined in small, barren cages when not performing, and were deprived of adequate veterinary care, food, water and shelter, the organisation claimed.
PETA India further stated that animals were frequently trained through punishment and that many exhibited repetitive behaviours associated with severe stress.
Reiterating its opposition to the use of animals for entertainment, PETA India said such practices violated basic principles of animal welfare and dignity.
