Maharashtra legalises bullock cart race; Rs 5 lakh fine to be imposed in case of cruelty to animals

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a Bill to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 paving way to legalize the bullock cart races in the state. 

The bill was tabled in the Lower House by Animal Husbandry Minister Mahadev Jankar.    

The assembly passed a bill suggesting to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, which legalises bullock cart race in the state. 

The provision of the fine of up to Rs 5 lakh or imprisonment of three years has also been made in the bill if any cruelty to the animal is proved during the event.

The bill, which has been passed by the legislative assembly, will now be tabled before the Legislative Council for the approval.

Last week, the state Cabinet had decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee to study the draft of the amendment bill to revoke the ban on bullock-cart racing.

The reasoning given to the amendment is to follow and promote tradition and culture and ensure the preservation of native breeds of bulls as also their purity, safety, security, and well-being.

Bullock cart races will be allowed in any district where it is being traditionally held at such places. 

The ban on the bullock cart race was imposed in 2014.