What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Upon receiving reports of greyhound dog races scheduled to take place in Punjab, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India took immediate action to halt these unlawful events. The races were planned for Sri Muktsar Sahib on 6 December, SAS Nagar Mohali on 8 December, and Lasoi village, Malerkotla, on 10 December. PETA India promptly alerted senior police officials in these districts resulting in the cancellation of the races and preventing cruelty to numerous greyhound dogs.
Despite these interventions, a race took place in Ghaloti village, Ludhiana, on 7 December and another race occurred near Ropar Jail in Rupnagar on 15 December. PETA India has filed complaints urging the registration of FIRs against the organizers and participants of these races.
ALSO READ: Gauhati High Court bans buffalo, bulbul bird fights in Assam
Greyhound racing involves forcing dogs to race at dangerously high speeds, putting tremendous strain on their bodies and often leading to injuries or death. These dogs are typically confined to kennels and forced to stand in their filth when not in use. Dogs that lose races may face harsh abuse, abandonment, or being killed. Injuries, exhaustion, and psychological trauma are common in events prioritizing gambling over animal welfare.
“Greyhounds are often raced to injury or death. Forcing dogs to race is inherently cruel,” says PETA India Cruelty Response Legal Advisor and Associate Director Meet Ashar. “We commend Shri Tushar Gupta IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Sri Muktsar Sahib; Shri Deepak Pareek IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar Mohali; and Shri Ajit Singh IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Malerkotla, for their decisive action to uphold the law and protect these dogs from abuse. We also urge the Khanna and Ropar police to register FIRs for the illegal races that took place in Ghaloti village on 7 December and near Ropar Jail on 15 December, respectively, to ensure accountability and prevent further violations of animal protection laws.”
PETA India recently prevented illegal greyhound races across multiple locations, including Samrala village, Ludhiana (30 November); Chung village, Tarn Taran (27 November); Yamuna Nagar, Haryana (25 November); and Moga, Punjab (24 November), working with senior police officials.
ALSO READ: Delhi faces tree felling crisis, Supreme Court intervenes
In its complaint, it stated that under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, animals cannot be legally used for training, exhibition, or performances without prior approval from the Animal Welfare Board of India. Additionally, such races violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 which prohibits inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, of 1960 specifically criminalizes 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 Supreme Court clarified that activities such as animal racing come within the purview of animal fights as they involve forcing animals into competitive and harmful situations, akin to incitement to fight.
