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Global News - July 2007

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India bans 'cruel' bull races

Tue 31 July 2007 13:00 UK — Asia

Picture for article India's Supreme Court has overturned an earlier High Court decision and decided to ban the annual bull fights and races which take place in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Every January, people from Tamil Nadu took part in the Pongal harvest festival. To celebrate, bull fights and races - called jallikattu - would take place.

In these events, the animals were often fed alcohol and then forced to race. The fighters then tried to control and dominate the bulls to grab away bundles of money or other treats tied to the animals.

To achieve this, the people sometimes threw hot chilli powder into the bulls' eyes and beat the animals with their hands and sticks.

India's Animal Welfare Board successfully argued that the event was cruel and went against the country's peaceful and non-violent traditions.

The event had become something of a tourist attraction in recent years, but many visitors have been injured by the animals, the court was told.

Alan Knight, chief executive of International Animal Rescue, said: "We welcome and applaud the Supreme Court's decision to ban the jallikattu.

"There are many magnificent sights to charm visitors to India and there is absolutely no need to stage such a cruel spectacle in the mistaken belief that it will attract tourists." ADNFCR-1120-ID-18228910-ADNFCR

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