Andhra Pradesh to Penalise Cock-Fight Organisers This Sankranthi

The High Court has directed the state government to take measures to implement the ban on cock-fighting.

There is a growing craze for the cock fights in urban areas. (Photo courtesy: The News Minute)

The Andhra Pradesh government has said it would take action against anyone who organises cock-fights during Sankranthi festival this year.

The state government submitted an affidavit to the High Court during the hearing of a PIL filed by Jagadish Kumar, a native of West Godavari. The Court had directed the state government to submit an affidavit on what measures it would take to implement the ban on cock-fighting.

People queuing up to bet on a cock-fight. (Photo courtesy: The News Minute)

In 1960, the government of India passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which prohibits cruelty to animals, bullfighting, bullock-cart races and other sports involving animals.

Gambling and cock-fights are offences under The Prevention and Cruelty to Animals Act, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, and Andhra Pradesh Towns Nuisance Act, 1889.

Gambling is rampant for cock-fights during Sankranthi. (Photo courtesy: The News Minute)

<p> Gambling is an offence, Sankranthi is a festival of harvest people can’t spend their hard earned money on gambling and cock fighting.</p>

<b>NG Jayasimha, Animal Welfare Board of India</b>

Children are made to clean the dead cocks and their feathers. (Photo courtesy: The News Minute)

Cock-fighting goes beyond animal cruelty. There is mafia and a huge amount of child labour involved in this. People use children for cleaning the dead or the injured birds and there is an unrestricted sale of alcohol.

(The writer Anusha Puppala works with TheNewsMinute)