Hyderabad High Court upholds ban on cockfighting

In a hearing prior to the final arguments, the court suo moto amended the original petition extending the prohibition on cockfights wholly and not just during the period of Sankranti of 2017, Humane Society International (HSI) said in a statement here.

Animal Welfare Board of India member and Managing Director of HSI/India N G Jayasimha, said, "We are delighted that the Hyderabad High Court has upheld the ban on cockfighting. Cockfighting is not only cruel to animals but also encourages gambling and child labour. A practice that glorifies so many illegal activities should have no place in a civilized society." Gauri Maulekhi, government affairs liaison for (Humane Society International) HSI/India, the implead petitioner in this matter stated, "We have largely ignored the social and economic repercussions of cockfighting.

From betting on lives of animals to child labour and sale of illicit liquor, the ominous practise of cockfighting leaves every opportunity open to exploit humans and animals alike.

We expect the state to strictly follow the orders and ensure that people responsible for organizing cockfighting are booked under the law, said Maulekhi.

We encourage the public who witness any cockfight during the Sankranti or any other season to report the incident at their nearest police station or by calling the HSI/India tip line number at +917674922044, Maulekhi added