JAMMU: The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), with support from PETA India, seized 140 metal spiked bits allegedly being used on horses engaged in tourist rides and goods transportation in Katra and Shiv Khori, officials said.
The spiked or “thorn” bits are designed to cause pain and injuries to the sensitive gums and lips of horses. The confiscated devices were replaced with smooth, painless bits, officials said.
The seizure was carried out during an awareness-cum-enforcement drive at the Veterinary Dispensary in Katra.
Director of Animal Husbandry, 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 drive was aimed at preventing cruelty and ensuring 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 urged horse owners and authorities to discontinue the use of such devices and adopt humane animal-management practices.
PETA India said it has been campaigning across the country for enforcement of the prohibition on spiked bits and claimed that several states and Union Territories have issued directions for implementing the ban.
The organisation also urged tourists and tourism operators to consider mechanised transportation and other alternatives instead of using horses for rides and related activities.
