Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has ruled to ban buffalo and bulbul bird fights in Assam, following petitions filed by PETA India.
The court quashed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Assam government on December 27, 2023, which had previously allowed such fights during a specific period in January.
The petition was heard before Justice Devashis Baruah, with detailed submissions made by Senior Advocate Diganta Das on behalf of PETA India.
The animal rights organisation argued that the buffalo and bulbul fights were in direct violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, as well as the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The court accepted PETA India’s stance, stating that these events were also in violation of the Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja case.
PETA India provided compelling evidence in the form of investigative reports showing the cruelty involved in these fights.
The footage revealed that buffaloes were subjected to beatings and forced to fight, while bulbuls, many of which are protected species, were intoxicated and starved before being made to fight over food.
The organisation also highlighted the illegal conduct of these fights beyond the dates permitted by the SOP, resulting in widespread animal abuse.
In response to the ruling, Arunima Kedia, Lead Legal Counsel for PETA India, expressed gratitude to the Gauhati High Court.
She stated, “Buffaloes and bulbuls are gentle animals who feel pain and terror and should never be subjected to violent spectacles for human entertainment. We are grateful to the court for recognizing the cruelty in these practices and upholding animal welfare laws.”
PETA India’s investigation into the buffalo fights revealed horrific practices in which buffaloes were physically abused to provoke them into combat.
In one instance, in Ahatguri, Morigaon district, buffaloes were beaten, jabbed with sticks, and dragged by their noses before being forced to engage in brutal head-to-head battles.
These fights often left the buffaloes with severe injuries, including deep cuts to their faces, necks, and ears.
Similarly, PETA India’s investigation into a bulbul bird fight in Hajo, Assam, exposed the illegal capture and abuse of protected red-vented bulbuls.
These birds were drugged with marijuana and other intoxicants, starved, and then forced to fight for food.
During the fights, handlers would agitate the birds further, forcing them to continue fighting despite exhaustion.
PETA India’s petition to the court argued that such events violate the Indian Constitution, animal welfare laws, and Supreme Court rulings.
The organisation emphasised that these fights not only cause immense pain and suffering to the animals but also contradict the principles of non-violence and compassion that are central to Indian culture.
PETA India remains committed to advocating against the exploitation of animals for entertainment. For more information on their efforts, visit PETAIndia.com or follow them on social media platforms.
