Patna, Sep 17 (IANS): The Bihar government has cracked down on the sale and use of spiked bits on horses following a complaint pertaining to animal cruelty by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
The order was given by the director of the animal husbandry department.
PETA had pointed out the rampant use of spiked or 'thorn' bits - a device with metal spikes sticking out - to control horses throughout Bihar, even though their use is explicitly banned under Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965.
Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, director of the Bihar animal husbandry department, issued the order to all district animal husbandry officers.
The order directed concerned officers to ensure spiked bits are not sold or used to control equines (horses, ponies, mules, or donkeys). The order also refers to the provision under the rules which prohibits the use of harnesses or yokes with spikes, knobs, or projections or any sharp tackle or equipment in order to ride any animal or make any animal pull any vehicle.
PETA India had pointed out the illegality and inhumanity of using spiked bits on equines saying "When these devices are used to control horses for weddings or rides or to force them to haul goods, they can sink deep into their mouths, ripping their lips and tongues and causing extreme pain, bloody wounds, immense psychological trauma, and lifelong damage."
Amir Nabi, legal associate of PETA India, said: "These illegal torture devices lacerate horses' mouths and leave them in tremendous pain. They don't belong at joyous occasions like weddings or anywhere else."
"We are grateful that the Bihar government is calling for a crackdown on the use of harmful spiked bits. PETA India stands ready to lend a hand to help enforce the law if needed," Nabi said.
He pointed out that states such as Assam, Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh have issued orders mandating the enforcement of Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965.
"PETA India is campaigning not only for police to search for and confiscate the illegally sold and used devices but also for laws to be introduced to include a ban on the manufacture and sale of spiked bits, a loophole that needs to be closed," Nabi said.