Surajkund Crafts Mela is a huge hit with Indians and foreigners alike. This year not only has it has drawn large crowds, but has also earned the wrath of animal lovers.United Nations affiliated International Organisation for Animal Protection has lodged a complaint at the Surajkund police station against the fair administrator and owners of the animals being used to perform at the fair.
Ship of the desert: Activists have raised objections over the abuse of
camels and horses in Surajkund mela. Pic/Mid Day
The complaint says that many camels and horses are being abused in the mela. Their use can be explained as criminal conspiracy against animals because none of the animals are registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India as performing animals. The poor creatures are compelled to perform in the crowded complex where the fair is held. Also, loud noise and lights used in the carnival stress the animals.
Naresh Kadyan, the president of the organisation said: "I have personally visited Surajkund fair and seen five camels and many horses being abused inside the premises. Taking the onus, we have lodged a complaint against all offenders so that the animals are rescued immediately and the accused are arrested."
"We have recorded a video and taken pictures of the animals. We will produce all the evidences to get an FIR lodged. We have filed a complaint for the violation of section 3, 11, 21, 22 and notification issued under
section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960," said animal activists. A copy of the complaint has been sent to the Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, Animal Welfare Board of India, Chennai, and Tourism Department, Haryana.
When contacted, a senior police official from Surjkund police station said: "The complaint was received on Tuesday evening and we will investigate the case. If anything illegal is found, we will lodge an FIR and prosecute the offenders."The crafts mela started on February 1 and will continue till February 15. Almost 10 lakh visitors are expected to visit the annual crafts fair. Last year, 7.54 lakh people visited the mela. The numbers of huts have also been increased from 394 to 525. One more chaupal (open air stage) has been added for cultural functions. This year the venue has also been made eco-friendly and disabled-friendly.
What the act says
Section 22 of the prevention of cruelty to animals act states: No person shall exhibit or train, (i) any performing animal unless he is registered in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter;
(ii) as a performing animal, any animal which the Central Government may, by notification in the official gazette, specify as an animal which shall not be exhibited or trained as a performing animal.
सूरजकुंड मेला परिसर में ऊंट व घोड़ों की उपस्थिति पर पशु संरक्षण संस्था पीपुल फॉर एनीमल ने कड़ी नाराजगी जताते हुए पुलिस आयुक्त से मेला प्रबंधकों के खिलाफ कानूनी कार्रवाई की मांग की है।
