Gujarat Takes Action to Prohibit Manufacture and Trade of Illegal Spiked Bits Used to Harm Horses Following PETA India’s Appeal

Following an appeal from PETA India, the Gujarat Directorate of Animal Husbandry directed the joint director of animal husbandry to take action to prohibit the trade and manufacture of illegal spiked bits, which are used to control horses.

Spiked bits sink deep into horses’ mouths and cut their lips and tongues, causing extreme pain and lifelong damage. Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965, framed under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, prohibits the use of “any spiked stick or bit, harness or yoke with spikes, knobs or projections or any sharp tackle or equipment”, but spiked bits are commonly used to control horses forced to work at weddings, give rides, haul carriages, and lug goods.

Recently, the governments of Goa, Meghalaya, and Andaman and Nicobar also issued notifications urging action on PETA India’s request to prohibit the manufacture and trade of spiked bits there.

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