The Coimbatore police registered a case against Great Bombay Circus for allegedly practicing cruelty among dogs and birds. Based on a complaint by an animal rights activist, Arun Prasanna. G, the police registered a case under Sections of the IPC and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
According to IANS, the complainant said that during circus show at Coimbatore VOC Grounds seven dogs, two cockatoos, one macaw and three African grey parrots were used.
In the complaint, Prasanna said that the animals were used during 7 pm show. Before the beginning of the show, the birds were clipped and they could not fly high.
The dogs and birds were also forced to perform tricks before the audience, he said adding that they were in great distress as these were against their natural behaviour.
He stated that the circus company must be obtained a certificate from Animal Welfare Board of India under Performing Animals( Registration) Rules 2001 for using animals and birds used in circuses.
Prasanna said that the circus company had obtained a certificate for dogs issued in 2010. He added that it was not sure whether the same dogs were performing even now. He said the certificate for the use of birds was received in 2004.
Earlier, People For Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a complaint against the same company in April 2023. Four exotic birds were also confiscated by the Thrissur city police.
Prasanna demanded that the canines and the birds be taken into custody by the police as soon as possible for rehabilitation. He also noted that the company had also been charged by the Mysuru city police for a related offence in October 2022.
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According to PETA India, the police found out the the dogs, horses and camels were forced to perform tricks that were not approved by Animal Welfare Board of India.