AWBI asks Tamil Nadu government to comply with jallikattu norms

CHENNAI: Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has urged the state government to comply with the new norms to conduct jallikattu in the state, taking a stand that the board aims to prevent cruelty to animal without interrupting with traditions and culture of the state.

“The AWBI has formed an inspection team consisting of six members including director, animal husbandry in Tamil Nadu to observe the jallikattu events by collecting of photos and videos of events till May 31 this year. The DHT has been requested to nominate representatives to work with AWBI team. The inspection team has been requested to contact the district collectors concerned to coordinate the inspection where the event is proposed to organise,” said SP Gupta, chairman, AWBI.

 As per the guidelines, jallikattu will be conducted from 9 am to 5 pm, in places notified by the state government and the procedure should comply with Tamil Nadu Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, which should be overseen by all the district collectors in the state. District collectors should inform the animal welfare board a month before the actual event so that the inspection team can be deputed.

 The board allows the participation of bulls registered with the board only who shall undergo medical tests to grant fitness and suitability of bulls for the event, while joint director of animal husbandry shall requisition the services of the experts from the nearby dispensaries also. Bull calves below the age of 3 and above the age of 15 shall not be eligible to participate in the event. 

 The guidelines also state mandatory measures such as double-barricading, galleries to ensure the safety of spectators. The notification mandates the measurements of vadivasal (the entrance) to be 12×15 feet.

 AWBI guidelines mentioned that the participants of the event are also required to enroll their names in advance to the revenue authorities after medical fitness certificate. One-day insurance should be made compulsory for the bulls, bullocks, bull owners and participants.

 AWBI stressed that full-fledged medical facility should be made available near the venue, along with a mobile hospital and an ambulance with necessary drugs certified by medical officer of local GH. The local bodies should ensure the availability of drinking water supply as well as sanitation facilities.