Jammu: 140 spiked bits used on horses for tourist rides in Katra, Shiv Khori seized
The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), with assistance from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, seized 140 metal-spiked bits allegedly being used on horses employed for tourist rides and transporting goods in Katra and Shiv Khori, officials said on Thursday.
The devices, commonly known as “thorn” bits, are designed to cause pain by injuring the sensitive gums and lips of horses. Officials said the seized bits were replaced with smooth alternatives that do not cause pain.
The seizure was carried out during an awareness-cum-enforcement drive at the Veterinary Dispensary in Katra.
Animal Husbandry Director, Jammu, Dr Yugal Kishore said the use of spiked bits on horses, mules and other draught and pack animals is prohibited under Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965.
“Tourism and celebrations must never come at the cost of an animal’s well-being,” Kishore said, adding that the enforcement exercise was intended to prevent cruelty and ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations.
PETA India Policy Associate Chumki Dutta said spiked bits are used to control horses through pain and can cause injuries to their lips and tongues.
PETA India Senior Manager of Mechanisation Projects Mahesh Tyagi appealed to horse owners and authorities to stop using such devices and adopt humane methods of managing animals.
PETA India said it has been campaigning across the country for enforcement of the ban on spiked bits and claimed that several states and Union Territories have issued directions to enforce the prohibition.
The organisation also urged tourists and tourism operators to consider mechanised transport and other alternatives instead of using horses for rides and related activities. (with inputs from PTI)
