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Title : Need to revoke the ban of Bullock Cart races in Pune district, Maharashtra.
SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO (KHED): Thank you, Sir, for giving the opportunity. The Government of Maharashtra has issued a G.R. on 8th November, 2005 imposing a ban on conducting bullock cart races in various places in Pune district and in Maharashtra which is held during the religious fairs during January-February-March period. I just want to mention here that the Government of Maharashtra says that they have issued the ban on conducting bullock cart races based on the directives issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India, Chennai. When we contacted this Board in Chennai, they said that the Bombay High Court has banned the bullock cart races and bullfights. But, if you see the order of the hon. High Court of Bombay, it clearly says the ban is on bullfights and not on bullock cart races. Because of this banning of the bullock cart races, a lot of people in Pune district and in rural Maharashtra have a lot of resentment because this is associated with religious fair and it does not reflect on any provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
I would request the Government, particularly the Forest and Environment Department, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry Department to give directives through the Animal Welfare Board of India to all the State Governments lifting the ban on bullock cart races and continue the ban on bull fights which we do not mind. Thank you.