Jallikattu has been under a lot of controversies in the
past. It has been through prohibition and also amendments in the Prevention of
Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960 reversing the Supreme Court ban.
Yet again, it is on the news.
The Animal Welfare Board of
India (AWBI) requested the Tamil Nadu government to comment on the inspection
report of the bull-taming sport conducted this year. According to the People
for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) inspection report, six animals said to
have died during the event.
Statements from the report as quoted by Dr. S K Dutta,
Secretary, AWBI, exclaimed that pictures showcased cruelty that the animals
were teased with nails. Data of one animal death recorded by the committee
established in coordination with the TN government contradicts the data put
forward by the PETA. Hence, the AWBI has called the government to furnish its
comments or views on the report received from PETA at the earliest for further
action. Amid pandemic and increasing tensions over the India-China issue,
Animal welfare organizations seek public attention.
Concerning Covid-19 Vaccine, the Indian Council of Medical
Research wrote to medical institutions and hospitals to fasten the trials
aiming to launch a vaccine by 15th August, remarking independence day. On the
other hand, a survey by an NGO, Society for Empowerment (SFE) in Patna has
exposed that cultural habits of people in tribal areas in Chhattisgarh kept
them virus-free. The report expressly stated on the use of traditional herbs
and medicines along with social distancing norms of their culture. As cases
continue to surge, it’s high time we become more conscious (over health on top
priority).
