Question : Cock-Fighting

(a) whether the Government is aware that cock-fighting, Jalli Kattu, bullock cart race, etc. have been organised on the occasion of festivals in various parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh and instances of betting and uploading of photos/videos of trained roosters for cock-fights on websites have also been reported;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Supreme Court or High Court has sought any comments from the Ministry in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (d) In the notification dated 11.07.2011 of the then Ministry of Environment and Forests, bulls were included in the list of animals which are banned for training and exhibition as the performing animals. In the SLP No. 11686 of 2007, Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment dated 7.5.2014 has held that Jallikattu, bullock-cart race and such events per se violate Sections 3, 11(1)(a) and 11(1)(m)(ii) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and upheld the notification dated 11.7.2011 issued by the Central Government. Hon’ble Apex Court has also declared that bulls cannot be used as performing animals, either for the Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the State of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country. A notification was issued on 07.01.2016 permitting participation of bulls at Jallikattu and bullock cart races, for one day in a year at places sanctioned by District Magistrate & under the supervision of State level officers. However, the notification was stayed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its order dated 12.01.2016. At present, the matter is sub-judice.

With regard to reports cock-fighting it is stated that as per Section 11(m)(ii) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 it is a punishable offence if any person solely with a view to providing entertainment incites any animal to fight or bait any other animal. It is the responsibility of the enforcement agency of the State Government/ Union Territory Administration to prevent such events.
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