Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has issued directives to halt cockfights during January, despite a ban on the practice, which continues on a large scale. The events subject roosters to trauma, pain, and suffering by tying knives to their legs and forcing them to fight.
The Director of Animal Husbandry has recently sent a memo instructing district animal husbandry officers to form teams, working with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and revenue officials, to stop upcoming cockfights. A compliance report must be submitted by January 20.
With Sankranthi approaching and many returning to their hometowns for the celebrations, the government is determined to enforce the ban, focusing on police and stakeholder departments. Cockfights are prevalent in several areas of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the former Godavari districts, often involving large-scale gambling.
Cockfights violate The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and The Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974. Section 9(1) of the Gaming Act stipulates imprisonment or fines for anyone caught gaming in public spaces. Section 10 grants police the power to arrest without a warrant, seize money, gaming instruments, and birds or animals involved in the fights.
