Madras HC dismisses plea to conduct cock fight

The Madras High Court bench on Monday dismissed a plea to permit conduct of cock fight at Poolamavalasu village in Karur district in connection with the Pongal festival for three days from January 14. Justices S Tamilvanan and VS Ravi said conducting cock fight was against law banning the use of bulls as performing animals under Section 22 of the Prevention of cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Petitioner M Anandan, a resident of the village,who is one of the organisers of the game, contended that the cockfight was being organised only in connection with the Pongal festival. The birds were not harmed and they were prepared to conduct the fight without violating any law. No intoxicating materials were administered to the birds nor sharp knives attached to their legs, he said.

It was also part of the temple festival and no gambling was involved. They had also spent money to arrange for security, he said. 

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