Monday, Jan 14, 2008
Tamil Nadu Ignores Ban on 'Barbaric' Bullfights: Report
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Bullfights were staged on Saturday, January 12, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu despite a Supreme Court ruling which banned the centuries-old sport as "barbaric," the Press Trust of India reported.
 People push two bulls into a fight
© AFP/FileThe news agency said Western tourists joined thousands of fans in the district of Alanganallur for the bull fight.
During the fights, staged annually throughout Tamil Nadu in January, bulls are forced to drink liquor and have chili powder thrown into their eyes before revellers chase and stone them to death.
The Supreme Court on Friday, January 11, banned the gory sport, calling it a barbaric act."
"We cannot continue with such events if it is barbaric," Supreme Court Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan said in the ruling.
"We cannot allow any event involving cruelty towards animals," he said, dismissing the Tamil Nadu government's appeal to allow the event, which marks the harvest season in the state of 55 million people.
PTI said the state administration Saturday decided to challenge Balakrishnan's verdict on the grounds it was a traditional activity.
Animal lovers hailed the landmark court ruling.
"The Supreme Court declining permission to allow the cruel event is wonderful," said Maneka Gandhi, India's best-known animal rights activist.
©AFP
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