Animal rights activists kick up row over police circular

The circular, issued by the city police last week, had asked police stations in the city not to entertain complaints in cases of sacrifice of animals for religious purposes. The circular had quoted Section 28 of the PCAA, which allows the sacrifice of animals.

However, animal rights activists are peeved at the circular and have demanded that it be withdrawn immediately as it violates the GABA, which clearly prohibits the sacrifice of animals in the state.

Secretary of Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Snehal Bhatt said: “The circular seems to have been issued under pressure from persons involved in such activities. The decision has surprised us. It seems that it was taken due to fears of a communal or religious backlash.”

Bhatt feels sacrifices by certain communities could hardly be considered as religious. “It is, in fact, a way to celebrate. Goats are sacrificed even at small temples in several localities of the city. People consume liquor, eat meat and have fun sacrifice is only an excuse. Also, it has been observed that in some communities the practice began only about 50 years ago,” Bhatt added.

Sarvadharm Jivdaya Samiti secretary Niraj Jain said: “In this state, no animal can be sacrificed for religious purposes. Legally, the circular does not hold water.” Jain, an advocate by profession, said that GABA would prevail over the PCAA in the state.

The Gujarat Paryavaran Raksha Samiti has also reacted sharply to the circular.