At least seven greyhound races, organized illegally by local groups in Punjab and Haryana, were scuttled over the past month following complaints from the India arm of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Two races, however, could not be prevented.
Upon receiving reports of greyhound races scheduled to take place in Punjab earlier this month at Muktsar on December 6, Mohali on December 8, and Lasoi village in Malerkotla on December 10, PETA India alerted senior police officers in all three districts and got them cancelled. However, a race in Ghaloti village of Ludhiana district took place on December 7, and another near Ropar Jail in Rupnagar district on December 15. PETA India has filed complaints seeking criminal action against the organisers and participants of both races.
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PETA India, working with senior police officers, also prevented illegal greyhound races at Samrala village in Ludhiana, Punjab, on November 30; Chung village in Tarn Taran, Punjab, on November 27; Yamuna Nagar in Haryana on November 25; and Moga in Punjab on November 24.
While it is commendable that so many events were prevented, the sheer number of events being planned in quick succession should be a matter of concern for the authorities as it suggests the involvement of a syndicate. Besides, there is no word so far on the condition of the dogs that are sought to be raced in these events.
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Greyhound racing involves forcing dogs to run at such high speeds that it puts a strain on their bodies, often causing them to suffer injuries and even die. The dogs are typically confined to kennels in their own filth when they are not being raced, because across the world it has been seen that the owners are not really animal lovers. Dogs that lose sometimes face harsh abuse such as abandonment or murder. Injuries, exhaustion, and psychological trauma are common in animals used in racing events, which are basically for human amusement and the promotion of gambling.
In its complaints, PETA India said that under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, animals cannot be used for training, exhibition, or performances without prior approval from the Animal Welfare Board of India. Additionally, dog races violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which prohibits the infliction of unnecessary suffering on animals.
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The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, specifically criminalizes inciting animals to fight with other animals. In a landmark judgment in the case of Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja & Ors (Civil Appeal No 5387/2014) of May 7, 2014, the Supreme Court said activities such as racing come within the purview of animal fights as they involve forcing animals into harmful competitive situations that are akin to an incitement to fight.
