Amidst a growing demand for ban on the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) by the people of Tamil Nadu for opposing Jallikattu, Environment Minister Anil Dave on Saturday said the Centre is considering the issue.
When asked whether the Centre will ban the animal rights organization after the people of Tamil Nadu hold them accountable for the ban, Dave said, "PETA is an NGO funded by foreign countries. They always rake up these issues. We will see as to what can be done."
Dave further hoped that the bull-taming sport will be conducted in a peaceful manner after the ordinance was cleared by Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar.
"The permission has been given. And Jallikattu should be conducted within the parameters of the law. It should be done peacefully, which I believe will happen," he said.
The ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (AIADMK) has been demanding a ban on PETA with its general secretary Sasikala Natarajan leading the chorus.
The Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (DMK) also dubbed the animal advocacy group as "anti-national" and said it's working against Tamil culture.
He sought a ban on the NGO which has been stridently opposing the bull-taming festival.
The ordinance allowing Jallikattu to take place was brought in by the Tamil Nadu Government after four days of protests.
The traditional and popular bull-taming sport was held in three places in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district on Sunday morning. The ordinance was promulgated to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960