Acting swiftly on a tip-off regarding an illegal ram-fighting event near Bandra Terminus, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) filed a complaint that led Nirmal Nagar police station to register a first information report (FIR) under Sections 291 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Sections 11(1)(a), 11(1)(m) and 11(1)(n) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960; and Section 119 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1959.
On 3 August, police traced the owner of the animals and seized two rams used in the fight. The animals were transported to the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel for medical examination, veterinary care, and safekeeping pending a court decision on their interim custody.
Following the FIR and seizure, PETA India filed an application seeking interim custody of the animals. Subsequently, the 32nd Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Bandra, acting in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017, notified under the PCA Act, 1960, granted PETA India interim custody of both rams. Detailed submissions were made by Jay Gupta, Advocate, supporting PETA India’s argument that the rams should be sent to a reputed animal sanctuary for rehabilitation rather than being returned to the accused owners, who are likely to abuse them again.
“Spectacles in which animals are forced to fight are cruel, violent, and illegal,” says PETA India Lead Cruelty Response Coordinator Saloni Sakaria. “PETA India is deeply grateful to Nirmal Nagar police station and Hon’ble Judicial Magistrate S. S. Parkhi for recognising the suffering of the rams and for sending a message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”
Ram fighting involves pitting two male sheep against each other in a violent and often bloody confrontation. The animals are hit and goaded into fighting until one is deemed the winner. This practice subjects them to significant physical and psychological harm, including injuries such as fractures, puncture wounds, and severe stress.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, prohibits inciting animals to fight with each other. In a landmark 2014 judgment, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of petitioners PETA India and the government advisory body, the Animal Welfare Board of India, establishing that bullfighting, dogfighting, and any other staged fights between animals, including between humans and other animals, for entertainment, must end.
