PETA welcomes Supreme Court order on Jallikattu

CHENNAI: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals today welcomed the Supreme Court judgement banning " jallikattu", a rural sport of taming bulls practised in south Tamil Nadu and described it as a "landmark" verdict.

"This is a landmark victory for animals in India. Year after year, court guidelines or laws were violated during jallikattu and bull races, and countless bulls and people have suffered and even painfully died", PETA India Director of Veterinary Affairs Dr Manilal Valliyate said in a statement.

"Supreme Court has made it clear that cruelty to bulls will no longer be tolerated and that the animals deserve our protection and respect", he said.

Jallikattu is an adventure sport involving taming of bulls, held in Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations on " Mattu Pongal" day.

Besides the World-famous "Alanganallur jallikattu" in Alanganallur near Madurai, it is also held in Palamedu.

DMK Chief M Karunanidhi declined to comment on the apex court order, saying he was yet to read the full order.