Bill to allow Kambala passed in Karnataka Assembly

Paving the way to hold the traditional buffalo race of Kambala unhindered, the Karnataka Assembly on Monday passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Bill seeks to exempt the conduct of bullock cart racing also from the ambit of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Kambala is currently stayed by the High Court following a petition by PETA.

Thousands, especially in the coastal districts, had protested against the ban on Kambala. The protest had gathered momentum after the jallikattu stir in Tamil Nadu. The protesters in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have been arguing that the annual Kambala races in slushy paddy fields are part of their tradition and the sport does not involve torture of animals.

The Bill passed on Monday states that the two sports must be exempted keeping in mind their traditional nature and also to protect native breeds of buffaloes.

Thehindu