Victory: Illegal Races Stopped in Kolhapur Following PETA India’s Complaint
Upon learning that a series of unauthorised animal races—including horse cart, horse-and-bull cart, and bull cart races—were scheduled for 31 October in Kolhapur with a potential starting point in Belagavi, PETA India took urgent action to stop the illegal races from going ahead. PETA India promptly alerted senior police officials of both Kolhapur and Belagavi districts that the Shri Kalleshwar Yatra Committee reportedly planned these races according to a poster. As a result of police action, the Shri Kalleshwar Yatra Committee submitted a letter to Kolhapur police informing them that the scheduled races had been cancelled.
In its complaint letter, PETA India highlighted that under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, and the Performing Animals (Registration) Amendment Rules, 2001, animals cannot legally be used for training, exhibition, or performances without prior approval of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Events such as these animal races contravene the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and potentially breach the Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules, 2001. Additionally, using a horse and a bull to pull a single cart is anatomically inappropriate and violates the Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965, notified under the PCA Act.
You can help buffaloes forced to participate in Kambala races by signing the petition below.
