Case filed against illegal ram, bullfighting after PETA, activist from Hyderabad raised alarm

Hyderabad: After receiving alerts from a series of social media posts depicting illegal ramming and bullfighting incidents, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Nagole Police Station.

The FIR, which names multiple organizers involved in illegal activities, was lodged following a formal complaint filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in India in collaboration with local activist Syed Saleem.

The complaint was submitted pursuant to Art. 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, 2023 and Art. 11 section 1 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, which prohibits such activities. PETA called on authorities to locate the animals involved in these fights and ensure they are rescued and protected from further harm.

PETA applauds the police’s actions

PETA India commended the prompt action taken by Nagole Police Station House Officer S. Sudheer Krishna in response to the complaint.

“PETA India commends Nagole Station Officer Sudheer Krishna for his quick action in registering an FIR and sending a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated,” said Sinchana Subramanyan, Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India. “Glasses that force animals to fight are not only inherently cruel and brutal, but also illegal. “Animals endure enormous suffering, including serious physical injuries and psychological distress.”

Subramanyan highlighted the serious physical trauma suffered by the animals, including broken bones and wounds, as well as their forced training and malnourished state.

Illegal events documented on social media

Illegal events were detected on the Instagram page “Team Gabbar Nagole”, where many videos of rams and bullfights were published. The content depicted provoking and force-feeding animals to increase their aggression, and some posts depicted fighting resulting in serious injury to the animals.

These videos are clear evidence of violations of Indian animal protection laws and the organizers will be held accountable under the FIR. Police were tasked with identifying and capturing the animals to prevent future incidents.

Legal framework against animal cruelty

The acts committed during these events violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, which clearly prohibits inciting animals to fight for entertainment purposes. Moreover, in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, under Art. 325, killing or maiming animals is a punishable offense.

The FIR also cited a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that strengthened the government’s responsibility to enforce animal protection laws and punish those involved in such illegal activities.

Call for stronger law enforcement

Syed Saleem, a local activist who worked with PETA India to file the complaint, stressed the need for strict enforcement to curb this activity.

Saleem stated: “The continued organization of such cruel and barbaric events shows a blatant disregard for legal and moral boundaries. The authorities must ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

PETA India also offered assistance in the rehabilitation of rescued animals, stressing the importance of enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to prevent further abuse.