Gauhati High Court bans buffalo and bulbul fight: 6 animals historically used in fighting games and blood sports

Throughout history, animals have been employed for battle and recreation, as companions and adversaries. From screaming lions in Roman gladiatorial games to war elephants in ancient India, these are powerful creatures who have played a role in human amusement and warfare. Now, as society progresses, animal rights issues are in the spotlight, resulting in legal and social reforms.

The Gauhati High Court banned buffalo and bulbul bird fights in Assam, overturning a state government-issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that allowed them at the Bhogali Bihu Festival. The decision was made by a single-judge court led by Justice Devashis Baruah while hearing a plea brought by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which sought to overturn the SOP, which was approved on December 27 of last year.

Animal fights have been banned in India and around the world, yet they are nevertheless practised illegally and sometimes out of tradition. Here are some animals used in recreational battles throughout the world:

1. Roosters

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Cockfighting is a historic blood sport in many parts of the world, including Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, as well as India, namely the state of Chattisgarh.

These fights feature highly bred and trained roosters battling it out, typically until one is severely damaged or killed. The practice is firmly ingrained in cultural rites and is frequently related with gambling. It remains contentious and is outlawed in many countries due to worries about animal cruelty.

2. Dogs

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Dogfighting, which pits canines against each other in deadly combat, has a long history in countries such as the US, UK, and Japan. Popular breeds include Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers.

3. Bulls

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Bullfighting is firmly ingrained in Spanish and Latin American cultures. In this traditional activity, a matador performs moves against a bull in an arena before killing it. There have even been reports of bullfights in several rural areas.

4. Elephants

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In ancient Southeast Asia and India, elephants were occasionally pitted against each other in battles for amusement. The goal of these conflicts is to demonstrate the incredible strength and might of these amazing creatures.

The last reported elephant duel occurred in 1593 during the Battle of Nong Sarai in Thailand. However, some believe that this was not a formal duel.

5. Bears

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Bear-baiting is a blood sport in which a chained bear is forced to fight against one or more dogs, and occasionally other animals. This technique was common until the nineteenth century in countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, India, Pakistan, and Mexico, among others.

6. Tigers

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In ancient India and Southeast Asia, tigers were utilised for deadly animal fights. These majestic predators were sometimes put against other violent animals, such as elephants or bears, to demonstrate their strength and fury for the audience's enjoyment.

Over time, people became more aware of human values, the animal rights movement, and the ethical treatment of animals, making these practices outdated.

Also read: Wife's Refusal To Wear Sindoor & Sakha Signify Unwillingness To Accept Marriage: Guahati HC

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