Chandigarh—People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has successfully intervened. They stopped 33 illegal pigeon kabutarbaazi race events. These took place in 20 districts. This was done in coordination with senior police officials in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. The efforts spanned over the past two months. The most recent three events were halted this week in Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana and Sangrur. In its complaint, PETA India pointed out a significant detail. According to a December 2020 letter sent to the Chief Secretary of Punjab, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) stated that all animal races are prohibited. This prohibition is under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. This includes Kabutarbazzi. The board has declared similar events illegal. The letter warned that conducting such spectacles amounted to contempt of court. It urged the withdrawal of any permissions or directions for such activities. This was to ensure compliance with the law. Additionally, these events violate multiple provisions of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The PCA Act, 1960, also prohibits inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals.

PETA Praises Punjab Police Action Against Kabutarbaazi

The complaint also pointed out that the PCA Act, 1960, particularly Section 11(1)(m)(ii), criminalises inciting animals to fight. It refers to fights with other animals. (_Kabutarbaazi_ involves inciting groups of pigeons to compete). In the landmark 7 May 2014 judgment of _Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja & Ors_ (Civil Appeal No 5387/2014), the Hon’ble Supreme Court clarified a crucial point. Activities such as animal racing are considered animal fights. This is because they involve forcing animals into competitive and harmful situations. It is akin to incitement to fight with other animals. “Pigeons feel pain and fear just like any human. They don’t want to be captured, imprisoned, or exploited as props in people’s games,” says PETA India Legal Advisor and Director of Cruelty Response, Meet Ashar. “We commend the Punjab police, particularly Shri Amardeep Singh Rai, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Punjab. We also commend the Chandigarh and Haryana Police for their decisive action. They upheld the law and protected these birds from abuse. We also urge authorities to identify and penalize the organizers of the events. Authorities should ensure any further permissions are revoked. They must ensure that no similar events are allowed in the future.”

PETA India Urges Action Against Cruel Kabutarbaazi and Illegal Pigeon Racing

Pigeons used in _kabutarbaazi_ are often confined in cramped, filthy cages and coops, resulting in stress and encouraging disease. During transportation, birds are often packed tightly in wire cages or cardboard boxes, restricting movement, causing injuries and even suffocation. Pigeons used for such events are also often reportedly drugged with opium. There are different types of _kabutarbaazi_ and pigeon racing events, and can include forcing the pigeon to fly beyond the point of exhaustion. In the Faisalabad area, part of the Punjab province in eastern Pakistan, a man reportedly burned all his pigeons. They were locked in a cage after they lost a _kabutarbaazi_ competition. Gambling, a crime under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, is a key part of _kabutarbaazi_ events. PETA India encourages citizens to report _kabutarbaazi_ and other pigeon racing events. Citizens can do this by sharing any evidence. This includes videos, photos, promotional posters, social media posts or links, and location details. They should share this information with their respective district police chief and Deputy Commissioner. This should urge them to take action under relevant animal protection and public order laws. Additionally, sharing this information with animal protection organizations such as PETA India helps enforce laws effectively. It also protects these animals.

Events Halted Across 30+ Punjab Villages Between March and June 2025

The event stopped included those in several villages and locations. These are some of the locations included: Village Behlolpur, Mohali (23 March 2025); Village Chhajli, Sangrur (28 April 2025); Raipur Khurd, Chandigarh (11 May 2025). Others are Village Bhua Kheri, Fatehgarh Sahib (11 May 2025); Village Nahal Khurd, Sangrur (13 May 2025); Village Khanagarh, Mansa (14 May 2025); Village Gurusar Jaga, Tehsil Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (15 May 2025); Village Nandgarh, Muktsar (15 May 2025); and Village Kotli Than Singh, Jalandhar (16 May 2025). Also included are Village Bahura, SBS Nagar (17 May 2025); Village Bacchoana, Mansa (17 May 2025); Village Karnanna, SBS Nagar (18 May 2025); Ambala, Haryana (18 May 2025); and Village Nanu Majra, SAS Nagar (20 May 2025). Additionally, Village Ibrahimpur, SBS Nagar (20 May 2025); Village Kakkrala Khurd, Samrala (20 May 2025); Village Madhopur Kalan, Kapurthala (20 May 2025); Village Singho, Bathinda (21 May 2025); and Village Darvesh, Kapurthala (22 May 2025) were included. The list continues with Village Mangekhi, Jalandhar (23 May 2025); Village Ghureli, Bathinda (23 May 2025); Village Bukanwala, Moga (23 May 2025); Village Ramgarh, Sangrur (23 May 2025); Village Moom, Barnala (25 May 2025); and Village Ram Nagar, Muktsar (25 May 2025). In addition, Village Duggan, Kapurthala (27 May 2025); Village Sanipur, Fatehgarh Sahib (28 May 2025); Village Fatehpur Aryian, Fatehgarh Sahib (29 May 2025); Village Mallian, Jalandhar (31 May 2025); and Village Malla, Ludhiana (31 May 2025) are on the list. Lastly, Village Rupalheri, Fatehgarh Sahib (1 June 2025); Village Bhutta, Ludhiana (1 June 2025) and Village Bakshiwala, Sangrur (1 June 2025) conclude the list.