Animal Welfare Body Directs Andhra Pradesh, Telangana To Stop Cockfights During Makar Sankranti

The Animal Welfare Board of India ( AWBI) has issued an emergency Advisory to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, demanding a halt to cockfights during Makar Sankranti. Taking cognisance of the complaint filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the AWBI issued a letter to the Andhra Pradesh Animal Welfare Board and Telangana State Animal Welfare Board, directing them to take appropriate actions under the law and furnish an action taken report.

PETA in its complaint said that despite the ban on cockfighting in the country, arenas have been set up and steroids and alcohol are being administered to roosters. Cockfighting is prohibited under Sections  11(1) (m) (ii) and (n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The complainant also issued letters to state police in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana urging them to take strict action against violators and retrieve the seized birds. The Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police has asked the unit officers to be vigilant against cockfighting during Makar Sankranti.

"PETA India urges anyone who learns about a cockfight to report it to the police, PETA India has informed state police that it stands ready to find a safe home at a sanctuary for any seized roosters," said PETA India Director of Advocacy Projects Khushboo Gupta as quoted by IANS. Roosters raised for the fights are often kept in 'cramped cages' and are 'tormented 'during the practice fights.

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"In fights, one or both birds may die and both are often critically injured. At these events, roosters who are fitted with blades for cockfighting have accidentally killed humans and gambling is common", PETA said.