Whips prohibited, bullocks’ fitness proof must in bullock cart racing in Maharashtra

The draft rules have already been put in public domain for suggestions and objections

The state government has framed draft rules to regulate the bullock cart races and safeguard the bulls and bullocks. According to the draft, the organisers will have to deposit Rs50,000 as security to maintain the racing track, obtain fitness certificates of the bulls, make arrangements of the medical facilities among others. The rules will be finalised in the next few weeks after the suggestion and objections are submitted by the stakeholders by August 31.

Animal rights activists are against bullock cart racing, saying it’s cruel to animals. (HT FILE)

After Bombay high court directed the state government to frame the rules, the government said the draft rules have already been put in public domain for suggestions and objections. The draft rules published on August 11 will be open for recommendations till August 31, after which the final rules will be published by the government. It has also clarified that no bullock cart races can take place until the rules are framed.

“We have taken due care to safeguard the animals participating in the races. Stakeholders have been appealed to submit their suggestions and objections on draft rules. The due suggestions will be incorporated in the final rules. Since the HC has directed us to apprise them about the rules, we will get the rules approved from them,” Vikas Deshmukh,secretary, dairy development department, told HT. He said the Act has the provision of fine and imprisonment for the cruelty to animals.

The organisers will have to deposit security amount of Rs 50,000, which will be forefeited if rules are violated.

PETA India has however said, however strict the regulations are put in place the animals used in races will be subjected to cruelty.