FIR Registered Against Jumbo Circus Following Complaint by PETA India
After receiving a complaint from PETA India, the Begur police station in Bengaluru registered a first information report (FIR) against the administrators of Jumbo Circus for forcing dogs and horses to perform tricks not approved by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The AWBI is the prescribed authority under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, which regulates the use of animals for performances in the country. In its complaint to the police, PETA India submitted evidence of violations of the law.
The FIR was registered under sections 3, 11(1)(a), 11(1)(b), and 26 of the PCA Act, 1960, for forcing animals to perform unregistered tricks. The FIR also includes Section 289 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, for negligent conduct in relation to the performance of stunts while riding a horse, causing immense discomfort and distress to the animal, and endangering public safety as one horse was made to run around without a lead.
In February, an FIR was registered against the circus by Mavelikara police in Kerala following a complaint by PETA India for similar offences relating to cruelty to dogs, birds, horses, and camels and violations of its performing animals registration certificate. Based on this, the AWBI shortly after issued a show cause notice to Jumbo Circus requiring it to explain why its performing animals registration certificate should not be suspended immediately. Despite the notice, Jumbo Circus continues to violate its certificate of registration and exploit animals.
Several AWBI inspections and numerous investigations by PETA India prove that animal circuses are cruel. Animals in circuses are continuously chained or confined to small, barren cages when not used for performances. They’re deprived of veterinary care and adequate food, water, and shelter and often forced to perform tricks through punishment. Many display stereotypic, repetitive behaviour indicative of extreme stress.
