Coimbatore – On 17 July 2023, based on a complaint from PFCI, Coimbatore City Police registered an FIR against the proprietors of Great Bombay Circus. This reported that the circus was maiming the birds used in its performances by lacerating their wings to prevent them from flying and was using unregistered animals and tricks that were not registered with the AWBI. Pursuant to the FIR, the police arranged for the animals to be examined by a government veterinarian and, based on their report, seized two cockatoos, who were sent to WVS for interim care.
This week, in response to a petition filed by People for Cattle in India (PFCI) before the Hon’ble Madras High Court, Justice Anand Venkatesh passed an order directing that the interim custody of two cockatoos rescued from Great Bombay Circus be granted back to Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) – a facility accredited by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The High Court overrides an earlier order passed by the Judicial Magistrate directing the birds be returned to the circus, after they were initially seized by police on 25 July. These actions follow a first information report (FIR) registered against the circus under Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 11(1)(a) and 26(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The High Court observed that the allegations against the circus were of a serious nature. Therefore, returning the birds to the circus would enable its continued use the animals for performances, thereby defeating the investigation of the FIR.
The birds found solace at WVS, where they were able to experience the companionship and comfort they deserved. However, this tranquillity was short-lived, as they were returned to Great Bombay Circus in accordance with the directives of the Magistrates’ Court. Cockatoos, known for their social nature, require the presence of others of their species for their well-being. The circus chose to disregard this essential need, confining the birds to separate cages upon taking them away. Separating the birds is cruelty, as it affects the animals’ emotional and psychological health.
Arun Prasanna, founder of PFCI, says, “We are extremely grateful to the Hon’ble Madras High Court for passing an order keeping the welfare of the birds paramount. Once they reach WVS, the birds will have an opportunity to recover peacefully in an enriched environment with space, perches, swings, plants, toys, and nutritious food in the care of experienced veterinarians.”
Thrissur City Police and Mysuru City Police have registered FIRs against Great Bombay Circus in the past, following complaints filed by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. In addition, following a petition filed against the circus by Thrissur Town East Police and a subsequent petition filed by PETA India under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017, the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court (JFCM), Thrissur, awarded interim custody of four exotic wild birds from the circus to the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, observing that a prima facie case of cruelty to birds is made out. Thereafter, the JMFC order was challenged by the circus through a petition filed at the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala, which dismissed it, concurring with the findings of the JMFC. The central government statutory body the AWBI, which regulates animal performances, has issued a notice to show cause to the circus, requiring it to explain why its performing animals registration certificate should not be suspended immediately.
Several AWBI inspections as well as numerous investigations by organisations including PETA India prove that animal circuses are cruel. In them, animals are continuously chained or confined to small, barren cages; deprived of veterinary care and adequate food, water, and shelter; and denied everything that’s natural and important to them. Through physical abuse with weapons, they’re forced to perform confusing, uncomfortable, and even painful tricks. Many display stereotypical, repetitive behaviour indicative of extreme stress.
