Guwahati, 2nd February: Responding to a plea by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Gauhati High Court has taken a significant step, directing the Assam government to cease unauthorized buffalo fights within the state immediately. Justice Manish Choudhury deemed any buffalo fights held after January 25, 2024, as prima facie illegal, as they violated standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the state government, which set specific time limits for such events.
PETA India presented evidence of cruelty, including beatings to force buffaloes into combat and the involvement of starved and intoxicated bulbuls fighting over food. The court’s decision came after a brutal buffalo fight in Ahotguri, Morigaon district, on January 16, 2024, revealed severe injuries and harsh treatment.
The court ordered strict enforcement of the government’s SOPs and demanded an action taken report from the state by February 6, 2024. This interim measure is pending the court’s final decision on whether the state’s allowance of such events should be deemed unconstitutional.
Buffalo and bulbul fights were revived by the Assam government during Magh Bihu celebrations last month, following a nine-year hiatus due to a previous ban imposed by the Gauhati High Court. PETA India’s petition argued for the prohibition of these events, citing violations of central laws and the infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering on animals. Despite the Supreme Court’s 2014 prohibition on animal races and fights, the Assam Cabinet approved SOPs in December 2023 for buffalo fights, with warnings against breaches that could result in severe consequences.
PETA India expresses gratitude to the Gauhati High Court for the directive to stop unauthorized buffalo fights, hoping for a ruling that recognizes the cruelty of these encounters as a clear violation of central law.
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