Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court issued orders to the collectors and SPs of the twin Godavari, Krishna, Guntur districts to take up measures to curtail organizing rooster fights as it is cruelty against animals and follow the guidelines issued earlier.
High Court bench comprising Chief Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur, Justice R Raghunandan Rao felt that the rooster fights were providing a chance to propagate gambling.
The HC was responding to a PIL filed by Hanuma Ayyappa belonging to Kalidindi in Krishna district urging the court to direct the officials to check rooster fights and gambling, which gets intense during Pongal festival.
The advocate of the petitioner told the court that the officials were ignoring implementation of the court orders even when it is tantamount to violation of rules.
The court made it clear that the officials to implement The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and AP Gambling Act 1974 strictly and made it clear that the collectors, SPs and commissioners of police would be held responsible if it is not implemented.
The court directed that checking teams should be set up in each mandal before January 14. Each team should comprise a police officer of SI rank, tahsildar, two constables, one photographer and a member from the Indian Animal Welfare Board or a representative of an NGO working for animal welfare.
