33 illegal pigeon racing events, kabutarbaazi stopped across Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh
Mohali: In a major crackdown on illegal animal sport, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has successfully intervened to halt 33 unlawful pigeon racing or 'kabutarbaazi' events across 20 districts in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh over the past two months.
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Three such events were stopped in Mohali villages, one in Raipur Khurd (Chandigarh), and 28 across Punjab, including Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, and Sangrur, where the most recent raids were conducted this week. The operations were carried out in coordination with senior police officials in all three jurisdictions.
PETA India had filed complaints citing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, both of which prohibit activities that inflict unnecessary suffering on animals.
They also referenced a 2020 advisory from the Animal Welfare Board of India that declared such races illegal, equating them to animal fights under the law.
"Pigeons feel pain and fear just like humans. Using them in races is not only cruel but also unlawful," said Meet Ashar, PETA India's Legal Advisor and Director of Cruelty Response. He praised Punjab ADGP (Traffic) Amardeep Singh Rai and the Chandigarh and Haryana Police for their prompt action and urged continued vigilance to prevent further such events.
PETA also highlighted the harsh conditions the birds endure — often caged in filthy spaces, force-fed drugs like opium, and made to fly until exhaustion. Betting, a criminal offence under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, is often associated with these races.
PETA has urged citizens to report any upcoming pigeon races or similar events to local authorities and support enforcement efforts by providing evidence such as videos, posters, or social media links.
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