PETA India reached out to the Rupnagar Police as soon as they became aware of an unlawful greyhound race planned for December 15 in Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab. Despite this timely alert and efforts to prevent the event, the race proceeded as usual. PETA India then filed a complaint that led to a First Information Report (FIR) being recorded against those responsible for organizing, arranging, and conducting the illegal event.
Greyhound racing is a dangerous activity that forces dogs to run quickly and experience significant stress, often resulting in fatal injuries or harmed dogs. When not participating in races, the dogs are confined in cramped kennels and typically left to stand in their own filth. Dogs that do not win may face severe mistreatment such as neglect or even death. With widespread issues like injuries, exhaustion, and psychological trauma, the entire event prioritizes betting over the well-being of the animals.
PETA India has halted numerous recent greyhound races, including those in Mansa District, Punjab (23 December), Lasoi village, Malerkotla, Punjab (10 December), Vijayapura, Karnataka (12 December), SAS Nagar Mohali, Punjab (8 December), Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab (6 December), Samrala village, Ludhiana, Punjab (30 November), Chung village, Tarn Taran, Punjab (27 November), Yamuna Nagar, Haryana (25 November), and Moga, Punjab (24 November), with compulsive greyhound racing also being addressed.
In its complaint, PETA India highlighted that under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, any events or performances involving animals require approval from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). These races also violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, both of which prohibit causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
Established in 1960, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act prohibits forcing animals to engage in fights; in the landmark case of Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja and Ors (Civil Appeal No 5387/2014), the Supreme Court determined that animal races are considered a form of animal fighting due to the harm they inflict. In a letter dated December 7, 2020, the AWBI urged Punjab’s Chief Secretary to ensure legal compliance, as animal racing contravenes the PCA Act of 1960 and is regarded as a contempt of court.