A police case has been filed against the Great Bombay Circus in Coimbatore, India, for alleged animal cruelty. The complaint, filed by Arun Prasanna G. of People For Cattle in India (PFCI), cites the use of dogs and birds in a performance on July 16th, 2023. The animals were reportedly forced to perform unnatural tricks, and their wings were clipped.
Mr. Prasanna alleges that the circus lacked the necessary certificates from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) or that their existing certificates were outdated and did not cover the current animals used in the performances. He noted the certificates for the dogs were from 2010 and for birds from 2004.
This isn't the first time the Great Bombay Circus has faced such accusations. Similar cases have been filed against them in Thrissur (April 2023) and Mysuru (October 2022), leading to the confiscation of animals. Mr. Prasanna is seeking the immediate confiscation and rehabilitation of the animals involved in this case.
The Race Course police in Coimbatore have registered a case against the circus's proprietor and manager under relevant sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
A cockatoo made to perform tricks at the Great Bombay Circus during a show in Coimbatore on July 16, 2023. Photo: Special Arrangement
The Race Course police in Coimbatore has registered a case against the Great Bombay Circus for alleged cruelty to dogs and birds that are made to perform different tricks to entertain people.
The police registered a case against the proprietor and manager of the circus company based on a complaint lodged by Chennai-based Arun Prasanna G., the founder of the People For Cattle in India (PFCI), under Sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Mr. Prasanna complained that the circus company was found using seven dogs, one macaw, two cockatoos and three African grey parrots for the 7 p.m. show at V.O.C. Grounds in Coimbatore on July 16.
“The dogs and the birds were forced to perform tricks that are against their natural movement and behaviour. The wings of the birds were found clipped and they were unable to fly more than a few feet. The animals were in extreme distress,” he alleged.
According to him, a certificate from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) must be obtained under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules 2001 for the animals and birds used for circuses.
“The circus company has a certificate for dogs which was issued in 2010 and it may not be possible that the same dogs are performing still now. Similarly, the certificate for the birds was issued in 2004,” Mr. Prasanna alleged.Â
It is to be noted that the Thrissur city police had booked the same circus company in April this year based on the complaint filed by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA) and confiscated four exotic birds. The company was also booked by the Mysuru city police for a similar offence in October 2022, added Mr. Prasanna who wanted the dogs and the birds to be confiscated by the police for rehabilitation at the earliest.
Published - July 18, 2023 04:21 pm IST
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