Guwahati, Jan 16: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India, on Tuesday urged the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, to cease Moh-juj (buffalo fights) and Bulbuli bird fights conducted during the Bhogali Bihu festival and revoke the cabinet decision.

On December 8, 2023, the Assam cabinet had sanctioned such fights; the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for their conduct were issued on December 27 .

In a letter dated January 14, 2024, PETA India brought to the attention of Assam CM that these animal fights violate, among other things, the Constitution of India, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and judgements of the Supreme Court of India, including the Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja (2014) 7 SCC 54 (A. Nagaraj Judgment).

PETA stressed that buffaloes and bulbul birds are sentient animals capable of experiencing fear, anxiety, and pain, much like humans. These species are naturally docile, thrive in peaceful environments, and are coerced into fighting through physical and/or mental torture. Buffaloes, being prey animals, are not naturally aggressive and are subjected to beating and torture to incite them to fight. Additionally, their physical attributes, such as dark color and limited sweat glands, make them susceptible to heat stress and unsuitable for physical exertion.

PETA pointed out that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s 2012 notification under Section 22 of the PCA Act prohibits the use of bulls as performing animals.

Further, PETA India condemned the Assam cabinet’s decision, stating that it disregards and violates mandatory legal provisions.

Also Read: Assam CM revives ‘Bulbul Chorair Jud’ after Court-ordered hiatus

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