No More Cockfights In Telugu States

Cockfighting is one of the major attractions for ‘Betting Bangar Rajulu’ during Sankranthi festival in Andhra Pradesh. Crores of betting deals are done every year. Even top level politicians participate in major events of cockfighting.

Much to the disappointment of ‘Betting Bangar Rajulu’, the common High Court for both the Telugu states on Monday upheld the ban on cockfighting and directed the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to ensure no cockfights take place during the Sankranti festival. The court extended the ban on cockfights wholly and not just during the Sankranti festival in January.

The High Court passed the orders on petitions filed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, Humane Society International/India, People for Animals and other organisations.

The petitioners brought to the notice of the court that cockfighting was being conducted every year on Sankranti on January 14 in violation of the ban on the practice and despite court orders passed in the past.