Animal Rahat Study Shows Matheran Horses and Ponies Are Suffering
On 22 March 2023, animal relief organisation Animal Rahat assessed the working conditions for horses and ponies used to haul tourists and loads in Matheran, Maharashtra, and found widespread and irreversible health conditions caused by a lifetime of gruelling labour. Between 75% and 100% of these animals are suffering from various leg and hoof problems, which ultimately lead to lameness. Of the horses assessed, 25% were being controlled by cruel spiked bits (thorn-like weapons), which are prohibited under Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965.
Spiked bits are still being used even though PETA India and the Maharashtra police held an awareness event displaying over 100 of the seized devices in July 2022 outside the collector’s office in Pune. Police had confiscated the bits – which deliberately lacerate animals’ mouths – from horse owners in Kolhapur, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, and Panchgani. PETA India used the opportunity to call on people to enjoy their weddings and visits to the hill stations without using abused horses.
Animal Rahat’s new study clearly shows that the horses and ponies of Matheran are still suffering, including from incurable medical conditions brought on by a lifetime of hard labour. The group concludes that they should be replaced with eco-friendly non-animal vehicles.
Animal Rahat’s detailed assessment report can be found here.
You can help horses by pledging never to use them for rides or in weddings:
