A petition has been filed in the Gauhati High Court challenging the decision of the Assam government to allow buffalo fights. The petition presents evidence obtained from investigations that show that buffaloes, which were scared and severely injured, were forced to fight through physical abuse. The petition appeals to the Court to put a stop to these cruel spectacles and requests an interim injunction to stop buffalo fights while legal proceedings are underway. These fights violate the Constitution of India; the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; and judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, including Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja and others.

Investigations into buffalo fighting in Assam’s Morigaon district revealed that owners slapped, pushed and shoved buffaloes to provoke them to fight; hit them with wooden sticks; and pulled their nose ropes roughly. While the fighting was going on, some owners and handlers hit the buffaloes with sticks and beat them with bare hands, which further enraged them. The buffaloes were forced to lock horns and fight and as a result suffered bloody wounds on the neck, ears, face and forehead – many had injuries all over their bodies. The fighting continued until one of the two buffaloes fled.

Such fights are illegal, inherently cruel, and cause immeasurable pain and suffering to the animals forced to participate. They also contradict the principles of nonviolence and compassion, which are integral to Indian culture and tradition. Allowing these events to continue is a regressive step that threatens to undo nearly a decade of progress in human and animal rights.