Dimapur: A goat was rescued from the North East Sun Circus in Dimapur following a joint action by the East Police Station and the Dimapur Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), assisted by a representative of PETA India, officials said.
The rescue was carried out during a second raid on the circus within a few months for allegedly forcing animals to perform without a valid Performing Animals Registration Certificate (PARC), in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and a Delhi High Court order issued on February 9, 2022, directing action against unregistered circuses.
According to officials, locals alerted PETA India after a video surfaced showing a goat being made to walk on a tightrope during performances by the circus, which was camped at Darogapathar on Kohima Road in Dimapur.
Acting on the information, a complaint was filed with the East Police Station, while the Dimapur SPCA took up the matter with senior district authorities, leading to the rescue.
Despite displaying hoardings claiming that no animals were used in its shows, the circus was found to be continuing performances involving the goat.
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Officials said the circus had earlier been warned by Guwahati Police during an enforcement action in September 2025. The animal has now been permanently handed over to PETA India for long-term care and rehabilitation.
An official involved in the operation said the circus had failed to register its animals or animal acts with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), the statutory authority that regulates the use of animals for performances under the PCA Act.
PETA India welcomed the action taken by the local authorities, while reiterating its opposition to the use of animals in circuses.
The Dimapur SPCA and police said they would continue to monitor compliance with animal welfare laws and take action against violations.
