Animals Seized From Ajanta Circus After PETA India Complaint, Police File FIR

After a receiving complaint from PETA India against Ajanta Circus for using animals in performances without a performing animals registration certificate and for cruelty to animals, including cutting the wings of birds to prevent them from flying away, Ranchi police raided the circus, seized several animals, and registered a first information report against its proprietor. The animals seized in the raid – three adult spitz dogs, three puppies, and a brown stallion – are being examined for health issues and will be rehabilitated by PETA India. However, the birds who were seen performing during our eyewitness investigation had apparently been moved and were not found during the raid.

Ajanta Circus is a repeat offender, having previously used animals illegally in Kolkata. Recently, on 19 October, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) issued additional directions against the circus for violations of the Performing Animal (Registration) Rules, 2001.

Several AWBI inspections and numerous investigations by PETA India have revealed the inherent cruelty of using animals in circuses, whey they’re continuously chained or confined to small, barren cages; deprived of veterinary care and adequate food, water, and shelter; and denied everything that’s natural and important to them. They’re forced to perform confusing, uncomfortable, and even painful tricks under threat of physical abuse with weapons. Many display stereotypic, repetitive behaviour indicative of extreme stress.