Sangli: Illegal Donkey Race Cancelled and FIR Registered against Illegal Horse Cart Race–PETA India Demands Seizure of Horses

Upon receiving information about an illegal horse cart race held on February 17 along a 65 km stretch from Chinchali, Belagavi, to Sangalwadi, Sangli, amidst a large crowd on two-wheelers, the Sangli City Police Station registered a first information report (FIR) against five individuals involved in organizing the cruel spectacle. This action was taken following a complaint submitted by PETA India and rigorous follow-ups. Additionally, after learning about an illegal donkey race scheduled for February 27 on Kadamwadi Road in Sangli through a promotional poster, PETA India worked with the Sangli police and Sangli Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), who successfully intervened and prevented the event from taking place.

After submitting a complaint to the superintendent of police, Sangli, Shri Sandip Ghuge, IPS, and the inspector general of police Kolhapur range, Shri Sunil Phulari, IPS, an FIR was registered under Sections 223, 281, 285, and 135 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 as well as Section 11(1)(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. PETA India is actively working with the Sangli police to ensure the seizure of all eight horses abused in the illegal race.

Horses used for racing are forced to sprint – through whippings and weapons – at speeds so fast they frequently sustain injuries and can even haemorrhage from the lungs. In 2016, the Rajasthan High Court prohibited tonga races in Rajasthan after reviewing a report from the Animal Welfare Board of India. The report highlighted that horses suffer from cruelty when they are compelled to run amid noisy vehicles and loud spectators, causing them fear and distress.