PETA to take legal advice to distance animals from cruel sports

New Delhi: Responding to the Supreme Court's stay on the Central Government's notification, lifting the ban on bull-fighting sport 'Jallikattu' in Tamil Nadu, the animal rights group PETA on Tuesday said it would take legal advice on other such sports.

"It is not just Jallikattu, there are many other sports which are allowed because of the Centre's notice, and every sport has its own inherent cruelty, hence we will seek a legal advice, and then move forward," said Dr Chaitanya Koduri, Advisor, PETA, adding they were very happy by the SC's decision.

Koduri said they would challenge whatever amendments the government would make in this regard.

"Even in the future, whatever amendments the government makes, we will challenge until we fight for the animals so that they could be protected from this cruel sports," he added.

"As long as truth prevails, any amendment by the government won't stand in front of the Supreme Court," said the PETA advisor.

"The Supreme Court has categorically told the government that it was your decision to ban the sport because of cruelty, and for whatever speculated political reason you are trying to amend it, the sports remain cruel still stands true," he added.

The Supreme Court today stayed the Central Government's notification, which permitted the controversial bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu' in Tamil Nadu.

The apex court has also issued notice to Centre, Tamil Nadu and other states where 'Jallikattu' is played.

The decision in this regard was pronounced by an apex court bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur.

The Centre's notification lifting ban on Jallikattu during the festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu was challenged in the Supreme Court on Monday.

The petitions were filed by Animal Welfare Board of India, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and a Bangalore-based NGO.

PETA had last week criticised the Central Government's decision to permit events like ' Jallikattu' and bull races in Tamil Nadu .