Seven men in soup for illegal bullock cart race in Mira-Bhayander

The bullock cart race that took place near Pleasant Park in Mira-Bhayandar area, last month

Following a complaint by an animal welfare activist about an illegal bullock cart race that took place in the Mira-Bhayandar area on the evening of Christmas last month, the Kashimira Police have finally registered a case against seven unidentified people, who took part in the race.

Last year, in August, the Maharashtra government had lifted the ban on bullock cart racing after issuing a gazette notification. The Bombay high court, however, revoked the notification, following an appeal by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Despite the ban, a bullock cart race was organised on December 25. An animal welfare activist, who is part of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Thane, and witnessed the race first-hand, decided to take a video of the same. The video has since gone viral on social media.

The race took place on an empty road stretch at Pleasant Park in Mira-Bhayandar area. In the video, two bullock carts can be seen running close to each other. At one point, one of the bullocks also slips and falls.

Shakuntala Mujumdar, president of Thane SPCA, said, "People are blatantly flouting the HC ban. I asked our volunteers to send me a video, after which we approached the police station on December 30 and registered a complaint."

Following investigations, the police finally registered a case two days ago. "An FIR has been filed under Section 188 and 289 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Investigations are on," said an officer with the Kashimira Police.

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