Note on Jallikattu

ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA

Min. of Environment Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India

NIAW : PO 42 KM Stone, Delhi Agra Highway,

NH-2 Vill. Seekri, Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, Haryana-121004

Dr. SK Mittal     Convener Jallikattu Inspection Committee

Sree Kunj, 19/1, 3rd Block, 5th Main, JL Puram, Mysore-570012 Ph:0821 4255242-9980246400-7892422564 Email awbikk@gmail.com

Dt: 5^th March,2018

Note on Jallikattu

AWBI Chairman Sri SP Gupta (former IAS) took tastand very clear by informing that AWBI mandate is not to go against any tradition or ritual but to see the events re cruelty free and free from pain.

The history of the Jallikattu ban by Supreme Court which is now protested by youngsters of Tamilnadu is a conspiracy and preplanned strategy of AWBI .

A Jallikattu inspection team was organized to inspect, monitor, advise and report under the Convener ship of Ex AWBI Member Dr.SK Mittal B.Com(Hons),LLM, Ph.D

1.     A meeting was arranged by the Director, AHD with the Hon’ble Minister Shri Udumalai K. Radhakrishnan and Dr. K. Gopal, IAS, Principal Secretary, AHD and F, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. The Committee met the Hon’ble Minister and the Principal Secretary, AHD and F with the officials of the department. The Board’s role and mandate was discussed with them and a joint effort to make the jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu free from cruelty with complete reporting was finalized. The Animal Husbandry officials appreciated the AWBI’s move and assured full co-operation and joint action for cruelty free Jallikattu events. 

2.     Inspection commenced from Avanipuram in Madurai with necessary advise to Organizers, District Administration and Animal Husbandry officials. Though event were well organized following different AWBI and State Guidelines still some flaw were noticed in the Viewer’s Gallery and Bull collection point.

3.     TN Government was advised to improve to avoid fatal and major injuries and we are glad to mention that same were seen implemented at most of the events.

4.     Having attended 35 Jallikattu events since January “No fatality, no serious injuries were reported to BULLS or man and the security and other arrangements are excellen except in some exceptional cases.  

5.     In appx.200 events in Jan., Feb., 2018 more than 70,000 Bulls and 50,000 Tamer participated with more than 15 million viewers. Though Team has not visited all events but thanks to AWBI strict guidelines and monitoring events were reported organized with no fatal injury to Bulls and also human casualities.

6.     Assembly point, Medical Checkup point, Vaadi Vasal, Arena, Viewer’s Gallery & Collection points are certainly improved as per AWBI Guidelines and advisory. In spite of 100% Doping test not a single Bull found intoxicated or in with any medicinal effect.

7.     Some fatal Human injuries seen reported in News papers and on investigation were found occurred at much far places than Event venue and due FIRs were filed by the respective Collectors/ Regional Joint Director Animal Husbandry.

8.     We enquired about the Bulls, its care by owners,purpose etc and found that Jallikattu Bulls are the pride of their temples, villages and its owners. Owners feed 4 kgs of Cottonseed For 6 years costing app.300/- per day. There is no lucrative income by its participation in different Jallikattu events, rather expenses,except pride and prestige.

9.     These Bulls are the source of natural insemination in its respective areas. On Bull death also these dead bodies are ceromonously burried with rituals. The thousands years old tradition ( as a matter of fact Lord Shiva is 1^st known tamer) attached with happiness and joy in Tamilnadu where after the harvest Farmer worship their Bulls, decorate and play with them as their own family members.  

Some more Comments for the improvement

10.  Jallikattu as a sport which is a traditional sport which develops attitude of bravery. State and Centrl Governments shall try to get Jallikattu accreditedand enlisted as a traditional event by UNESCO.

11.  TN Animal Husbandry Department shall maintain Bull Register by providing Unique Number to each participating Bull. It will restrict  its participation in multiple events

12.  We see the use of helmet in cricket and safety handgloves inboxing, similerly For security and safety from injury,Safety gears/ rubber Bushes on Bull Horns and Chest Shield (Cover) shall be planned for the safety of tamers and Viewers.

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13.  Formation of Tamers Register by providing Unique number and should be given more recognition.It is such a Brave sport. The best tamers should be given recognition and after proper trainning they should be provided with opprotunity to serve in State Police, Para Miltary and Army.

14.  Violation of PCA Act-Transport of Animal Rules & IMV Act Sec,125 E shall be restricted.

In last, we can conclude with our mandate i.e. to restrict cruelty and pain to Bulls in particular and to all in general and Jallikattu being a sport of bravery and skill is also like so many other outdoor games subject to unforeseen injuries and errors. A traditional game vested in millions of hearts resulting in serving the sturdy indigenous Cow breeds the backbone of our Rural India.

Dr.SK Mittal

Encls:

History

Acts, Rules & guidelines