GUWAHATI: In response to the Assam government’s recent decision allowing buffalo and bulbul bird fights, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has filed petitions with the Gauhati High Court, seeking the prohibition of these “cruel” spectacles.
These petitions were presented before Justice Manish Choudhury, with detailed submissions made by Senior Advocate Mr. Diganta Das in support of PETA India’s during the pending court proceedings.
The case is now scheduled for further consideration on February 1.
PETA India’s petition argues that these fights violate the Constitution of India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Supreme Court judgments, including Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja.
Investigations submitted by PETA India reveal horrifying conditions, including terrified and severely injured buffaloes forced to fight through beatings and starved, intoxicated bulbuls compelled to fight over food.
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A specific investigation into a buffalo fight held in Ahatguri, Morigaon district, on January 16, exposed brutal practices, the petitions said.
The petitions went to say that buffaloes were instigated to fight through slapping, pushing, jabbing with sticks, and pulling by their nose-ropes.
Some owners even dragged buffaloes using ropes through their sensitive nostrils, causing bleeding.
Furthermore, PETA India’s investigation into a bulbul bird fight in Hajo, on January 15, unveiled illegal capture and incitement of red-vented bulbuls, protected under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Captured birds were reportedly drugged, starved, and coerced into fighting over food, all in clear violation of wildlife protection laws.
The organisation contends that such events are inherently cruel, causing immense suffering to the animals, and contradict the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion ingrained in Indian culture.
PETA India hopes the Gauhati High Court will recognise the brutality of these events and put an end to the suffering of gentle animals.
