District authorities in the Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills District prohibited bull and animal fights across the district, following reports of illegal wrestling being organised during local festivals and fetes, officials said on Thursday. District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills District R.M. Kurbah in an order said that any violation of the prohibitory order, imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), would be strictly dealt with as per legal provisions.
The District Magistrate said that if this rampant holding of bull’s fight or animal fight is allowed, it will Violate Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. She said that it has been brought to the notice of the district authority that there is the rampant holding of bullfights or animal fights organised especially while holding fetes and other local festivals in the East Khasi Hills District. Such animal fights also violate the Supreme Court of India ruling against bullfighting in the 2014 Judgement, Kurbah said.
“In view of the urgency of the matter, this order is passed ex-parte and shall come into force with immediate effect until further orders,” the DM in her order said. A district administration official said that the local authorities are expected to increase monitoring of festivals and public gatherings to ensure compliance with the directive.
Meghalaya: Ban imposed on animal fights during local fete
