Animal Welfare Board Issues Advisory to Halt Cockfights in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

The Animal Welfare Board has urgently advised Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to cease cockfights during the Makar Sankranti festival. The advisory follows a complaint by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, highlighting the violation of the ban on cockfighting despite existing regulations. PETA alleges that arenas have been set up, and roosters are being administered steroids and alcohol.

The Animal Welfare Board of India swiftly issued a directive to the respective state animal welfare boards to take appropriate actions under the law and submit an action taken report. Cockfighting is prohibited under Sections 11(1)(m)(ii) and (n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. PETA has also reached out to state police, offering to shelter seized birds.

The Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police has instructed unit officers to remain vigilant against cockfighting during the festival. PETA urges the public to report any cockfighting incidents to the police, emphasizing its readiness to provide a safe sanctuary for seized roosters.