NEW DELHI: In a landmark decision, the Gauhati High Court has banned buffalo and bulbul bird fights in Assam by overturning the Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Assam government that permitted these events during specific times of the year. The ruling came in response to petitions filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India which argued that these fights violated key animal protection laws including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The verdict was strongly influenced by evidence presented by PETA India which conducted thorough investigations into these cruel practices. The findings revealed that buffaloes were subjected to severe physical abuse including being slapped, jabbed with sticks, and pulled by their nose ropes to force them into fights. These animals suffered serious injuries such as bleeding wounds on their necks, ears, and faces.
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Bulbul birds, also protected under Indian wildlife laws, faced similar cruelty. They were captured, drugged, and forced to fight for food. These birds were starved and intoxicated with harmful substances to provoke aggression, resulting in short but brutal fights.
The court emphasized that these activities contradict the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja case which banned animal fights. PETA India’s legal team led by Senior Advocate Diganta Das provided substantial evidence showing that most of these fights occurred beyond the dates specified in the SOP, making the events illegal.
This ruling has been widely welcomed by various groups across the country that advocate against animal cruelty. PETA India expressed gratitude to the court for prioritizing animal rights and condemning such inhumane practices. This judgment marks a significant step towards ensuring ethical treatment of animals and enforcing animal protection laws in India.
