Humane World India urges ban on cockfighting during Sankranti

Humane World for Animals India urged people to avoid cockfighting during Sankranti. The NGO highlighted animal cruelty, illegal gambling, and liquor sales, noting the practice is punishable under law and urging citizens in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu to report offenders.

Hyderabad: The animal protection organization Humane World for Animals India on Monday made an appeal to people to refrain from participating in cockfighting during the upcoming Sankranti festivities.

Describing it as an illegal and archaic form of cruelty, the organization emphasised that these events involve roosters being fitted with razor-sharp blades on their spurs and forced to fight to the death.

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Beyond the physical agony of the birds, the group highlighted that the practice often serves as a front for illegal gambling and the sale of illicit liquor, creating a cycle of exploitation that harms families and local communities.

Legal experts and cruelty response specialists from the organization pointed out that cockfighting is a punishable offense under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Specifically, Section 11(1)(m)(ii) prohibits inciting animal fights, while Section 11(1)(n) makes the act of organising or managing such arenas a cognizable offense.

Despite these laws, the practice remains prevalent in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

The NGO noted that high-stakes betting associated with these fights can wipe out a year’s worth of income for laborers. The voluntary organisation has urged people to report any instances of cockfighting to local police authorities.