New Delhi :
India is a land of diversity, with 29 states and 7 union territories. The county which has 21 recognised and over 1000 unrecognised languages and even state has its own tradition. Not only languages or tradition, the India has a history of animal fights. From bull to cock to bulbul to dog, you can see various fights all across the country.
Recently, many of these sports were banned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Supreme court but keeping an eye on the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls the Centre has allowed the controversial bull-taming sport Jallikattu after a gap of five long years. Taking a clue of the people in Andhra Pradesh have raised their voice for the famous Kodipandelu or cock-fight, which is also banned.
At present, Kodipandelu is prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974. In the furious fight thousands of roosters fight to their death, with hundreds of crores of betting money on them.
Not only cock-fights, but in Assam during Bhogali Bihu celebrations, the locals engage huge money on bulbul fights also. Recently, a dog fight was discovered in Gurgaon and officials were asked to take strict action against them.
Now, many voices are raising to allow the dog fight, Bulbul fight and many other fight across the nation.
However, PETA India along with many other groups have filed petitions in the apex court to strike down the recently allowed Jallikattu and bullock cart races.
The things not seems as simple for govt as people started relating their sentiments and religious activities to these games.
Last year, near Godavari district the Andhra govt, unofficially allowed the cock fight.
Whether we condemn or overlook such violence acts upon animals are a telling sign of our times. We can only hope time will come when humanity will extend its hand for every living thing in this world.
