This Article is From Jan 11, 2012

Animal Welfare Board seeks quashing of order to permit J'kattu

Madurai: The Animal Welfare Board of India today filed a petition in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court seeking quashing of orders of Tiruchirapalli and Madurai Collectors to permit Jallikattu (taming of the bull) to be held this year in connection with the Pongal harvest festival.

The board submitted it has taken this action after the Collectors passed the order to hold the festival despite individual letters drawing their attention to the Environment Ministry's notification banning use of bulls as performing animals.

 It said it has also sent reminders to all Collectors that the state should ensure that the bulls are not trained or exhibited as performing animals in view of the notification and that any violation would contravene the Centre's direction.

The Board also requested that a circular be issued to all authorities to comply with the notification.

The petitioner apprehended the possibility of Jallikttau being held in Madurai and Trichirapalli districts for Pongal.

If held, it would not only cause cruelty to the animals but also a lot of inconvenience, injury and death of innocent public which should be avoided at any cost.

The Board also prayed for a stay on the operation of the December 14 proceeding of the Secretary of Animal Husbandry Department and consequential orders of the two collectors.    

The petitioner further sought a direction to authorities to implement the union government's notification.   
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