POINTS IN THE VERDICT and OUR EXPLANATION
Pg 17:
II.1.Ear Cutting/Mutilation:
Cattle have front only vision. Due to the ears being long, their vision is restricted. Many of the
cattle are grazed in reserve forest areas, village grazing lands near forest areas. Since there is a
major chance of attack by predators like Tigers, Panthers, Leopards, etc, the practice of
cropping the ears is there. This helps sight and sound localization. Their vision improves to
include areas behind them. For cows, the ear pinna would be torn where the lower part will be
hanging. For bulls which participate in Jallikattu, it is completely removed as there is danger of
this lower part getting torn down. This is not done for cows or bulls reared by farmers on their
farms. As Jallikattu bulls are from these pastoral communities, their ear pinna is seen cut. The
ear pinna is also cut for castrated bulls used for transport, and is thus not specific to Jallikattu,
as AWBI tries to project.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Now-you-can-dock-dogstail/articleshow/19537859.cms?referral=PM
II.2.Fracture and Dislocation of Tail Bones:
As the bulls grow as herds, there are occasions that their tails are tramped upon by other
animals, leading to dislocation of tail bones. This is has no relevance to Jallikattu, as projected.
Nor does the AWBI report mention how many bulls suffered from this problem, or provide
evidence of the same. The usage of the term “many” is deliberately done to mislead the court
and the people.
The organisers say that every bull is registered before participating in the Jallikattu, that hardly
one or two animals have bended tails, and challenge the AWBI or PETA to substantiate their allegations with the bull’s registration number(s). This is an exception and a miniscule number
of people indulge in this. The owner’s name/village is registered along with the bull. Action
should be taken against them.
II.3. Frequent Defecation and Urination:
Cattle are tied and kept in sheds at night where they stand in Urine and Dung through the night.
When they sit down, they are happy to sit on their dung. In fact they roll in a mixture of mud
and dung to cover their skin at night to form a preventive layer against Ticks and other
parasites. Frequent urination and defecation are normal as their digestive system is constantly
processing food/water. This is the reason why cowsheds have floors with incline to collect the
urine. These are not companion animals which have been toilet trained against their natural
instinct and biological function.
Native cattle Dung and Urine are proven for their medicinal value and are used in
Ayurveda/Siddha. Can the dung and urine, which are used as an effective disinfectant and antibacterial
agent by our traditional society, harm Jallikattu bulls alone?
The problem of crowding the bulls and making them move in the queue one by one is due to
the guidelines set up recently. Earlier 5-10 bulls would be brought to the Vaadi Vaasal (Release
Gate) and let out one by one. Regulations of the recent years have caused this situation where
the bulls are kept in a line and released.
II.4. Injuries and Death:
The tradition is even if a drop of the bull’s blood is spilt, the event will be stopped. Not a single
bull in injured in the events. There has no death of any bull in JK event.
In rare instances, such accidents may happen. Instead of regulating the said event, arguing that
this is the norm is not wrong. Out of 600 bulls participating in an event, barely a few are affected by such accidents; the AWBI could cite only one bull which died due to accident with a
truck (bringing urban visitors to the venue), and few other bulls which got injured. Does AWBI
have records of number of bulls killed in JK events all through the years? More cattle are killed
on roads than due to JK. The bull death as mentioned in the AWBI evidence was due to the bull
escaping outside the collecting area and running into the roads. This happens even when they
are grazed. More cattle are killed on roads.
III.1.Biting a Bull’s Tail & III.2. Twisting a Bull’s Tail & III.3. Poking Bulls with Knives and Sticks
III.4.Using irritants
Specific violators should be punished or banned from JK. AWBI has submitted video proof of
these violations, but is using this to destroy the sport and native species.
III.5.Using Nose Ropes
It’s the normal practice to use Nose Ropes to control Bulls. The nose ropes are cut (removed) to
release the bull. Sometimes Bulls are excited and want to be released. They want to be free and
run out of the gate. This is similar to dogs getting excited when owners release them from
leashes in parks. They know they are going to be free. This is normal animal psychology.
Also, the experienced bulls (which have long memories) are familiar with JK events and offer
their head to the owners to cut the rope. They plan their exit from the Vaadi Vaasal and time
their jump to avoid the players. These are intelligent animals and have evolved in this
environment over millennia.
III.6. Cramped Conditions
This is again due to regulations. As mentioned above, earlier a batch of 5-10 bulls were released
while the rest rested and ate. According to PCA (Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules, 2001, notification New Delhi, 26 Mar,
2001, a cow can be transported on foot for a maximum distance of 30 kms and a maximum
duration of 8 hours. These bulls can graze the entire day without sitting or taking rest. They can
withstand hot conditions as their body morphology has evolved for that.
Crossbreeding Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus for milk production in the tropics by E.P.
Cunningham & O. Syrstad, FAO Paper 1987:
Most of the cattle indigenous to the tropics belong to the zebu species.
Other conformation traits which are common to most zebu cattle are a narrow body, a sloping
rump, and rather long legs. The hide is thin, loosely attached, and the brisket and dewlap are
usually well developed, particularly in males. Size of the animals varies over a wide range, and
breed averages from below 200 to above 400 kg for mature cows have been reported.
Zebu cattle are well adapted to the tropical environments, mainly because of the following
attributes:
a) A high degree of heat tolerance, derived partly from low heat production and partly from a
large ability to dissipate heat. A high density of efficient sweat glands increases the loss of heat
through evaporation, and the short, sleek coat facilitates the convection to the surrounding air.
It has also been maintained that the small body size contributes to the heat tolerance, as small
animals have a higher surface to body mass ratio. However, the heat production at
maintenance is proportional to metabolic weight rather than to actual weight, and the ratio of
body surface to metabolic weight is almost independent of size.
b) Partial resistance to ticks, and thus to the many tick-borne diseases occurring in tropical
countries. Zebu animals have the ability to repel ticks by movements of the skin, but this is only
part of the explanation of their larger resistance. It has been demonstrated that when animals
are infested with tick larvae, fewer larvae develop into ticks in zebu than in European type cattle
(Utech et. al. 1978). Zebu cattle are often claimed to possess a certain degree of resistance also to many other tropical diseases. To what extent this is a genetic property or has been acquired
by immunization due to exposure in early life is questionable (Ansell, 1985).
c) Low nutritional requirements, because of small size, low metabolic rate, and possibly also
more efficient digestion at low feeding levels.
III.7.Forcing Bulls to Move Sideways: Same as above. Regulatory Hassles.
III.8.Lack of Food and Water
AWBI regulation Cattle can go without eating or drinking for up to 4 hours. According to PCA
(Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules, 2001, notification New Delhi, 26 Mar, 2001. Still if not for
the regulations now, the bulls would be fed and given water till the time they are released.
III.9. Forcing Bulls to Drink Liquids.
Cattle can drink by bending down only when there is a wide opening vessel or tank with water.
When the water is given to them in a bottle, it is exactly like giving a child or cattle medicine.
We have to raise the head and force feed it. Concluding the liquid is alcohol is presumptuous. It
is common practice to give glucose water or plain water.
AWBI has allowed Steroids for horses.
III.10. See II.3. above
III.11. Spectators Beating and Agitating Bulls: Regulations need to be enforced in these areas. III.12. Restraining and Roping
With the Nose rope, this is the only humane and safe method to catch a bull. This is the normal
practice of taking a Bull to a tree and putting the Nose Rope. As mentioned above, just like dogs
which do not like being leashed as they want to be free, some bulls exhibit same behavior.
V.Injuries and Deaths
Injuries are commonplace in villages especially when dealing with livestock. It is normal for a
cow which has had its first calf, to kick during milking. People don’t prefer to buy such young
mothers. During ploughing, injuries are normal. Rural life is not the same as urban life, where
safety and security are given more priority. Occupational hazards like livestock related injuries,
snake bites etc are part and parcel of daily life of a farmer. In JK, because of the regulations, the
number of injuries/deaths as well as the severity of the injuries has drastically come down than
yesteryears.
The regulations have been outlined without consulting the Organizers, Bull owners and Players
across different villages. There has been no study on the individual breeds or their
characteristics.
Barricades at Siravayal mentioned by AWBI were designed by Organizers and are the best
design, and were used in many other events in 2014.
Page 64: Summary
Beating, Kicking are exceptions, not the norm.
Page 65: “Behavioural responses to pain vary greatly from one species…
Stud Bulls need to be alert, virile, and agile. In the peak of their reproductive period, they need
to secrete the necessary male hormones and experience adrenalin rushes and pumping hearts. They need this for them to be virile. This is in the interest of the species as Selective Breeding is
done to propagate the species. Stud Bulls are used for JK and reproduction. Experienced Bulls
enjoy the situation and display a well thought out exit from the Vaadi Vaasal. Many of them
show off by shaking their heads as a warning. This shows the familiarity with the JK events.
Page 70: Performing Animals
Classifying Bulls as Draught and Pack animals in the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack
Animals Rules, 1965 is fundamentally wrong. We cannot define the characteristics for all the
breeds of the whole species.
Male calves identified for reproduction are raised as Bulls. Other male calves are castrated and
raised as Oxen/Bullocks. Only Oxen can and are used for draught purposes. In some places cows
might be used. Nowhere in India, is a Native Breed Bull used for pulling carts or loads.
On the other hand, every horse breed is not used and capable of running. Arabian breeds and
their descendant Marwari, Kathiawari are good at running, while many local short breeds are
used for draught purposes and don’t run.
For instance ALL horses were NOT bred for running. Some breeds are bred as draught animals
and some are bred to suit mountainous terrain. “In mountainous regions, the landscape has
favoured the selection of animals with innate sure-footedness, and this comes with the ability to
keep one's head in a crisis - which is really another way of describing an animal with a low
reactivity score. Traditionally it is maintained that the Highland pony was developed for
bringing game down from the hills after a day's shooting. Clearly, a horse that showed a
tendency to tear off at speed every time a grouse broke cover from underneath his feet would
not survive long in this tricky terrain.“
Traditionally, Kangayam breed cattle were identified and bought and bred with local cattle
breeds, as their offspring are agile and leaner than the Kangayam. This practice has been happening for over 1200 years as the main market at Kannapuram, Vellakoil, Tirupur Dt has
been selling cattle to other parts of South India.
All draught breeds are capable of running decent speeds as they’re adapted to the pastoral
system rather than stall fed system. In fact, in open areas during grazing the young and
mischievous adolescent bulls run away and wait for the cowherd to catch them. There are
historical instances like Tipu Sultan’s Army used Poorani breed for their ability to run at high
speeds while pulling loads of cannons. Anyone who has seen a birth of a calf will know that as
soon as the mother cleans the calf, the first thing that the calf does after standing up, is to run
in an agile manner.
Page 74: Natural Instinct
Native Species Bulls are known for their ability to attack predators while grazing, attack
strangers, exhibit extreme agility and awareness of the environment. These breeds have
evolved over several millennia in close contact with humans. Bulls have a long memory and get
better with experience and are able to avoid any contact with players easily.
Bulls are identified at when they are calves by their instinctive abilities to jump, run, poke, and
play with humans. The limbs, tails, hump, shoulders, horns etc are used to select them to be
raised as JK Bulls for selective breeding purposes, in the interest of the Indian Native Cattle
species. These bulls are pugnacious in nature. These cattle are reared in huge herds numbering
in hundreds with a few cowherds tending to them. These cattle are for all practical
comparisons, wild and only the cowherds can mingle with them without any fear of being
attacked.
The Social Behavior of Beef Cattle - Stephanie Epps
“Without human intervention, cattle are naturally herd animals. Males choose to be solitary.
Young males often form a male group with other males of a similar age. Older males often
remain alone and are very territorial” Page 96: Non Essential Activities
Bio-Cultural Significance:
Jalli Kattu and all such Bio-Cultural events associated with Human-Livestock have evolved over
time and have an intrinsic value in the propagation of the species. It’s well known that Bos
Indicus was domesticated in the Indus Valley area and JK has been recorded in the IVC.
Bulls when openly grazed do not have ropes with which they can be controlled. Cowherds
cannot grab the horns or the tail or the hind parts of a bull as this angle of approach is
vulnerable to goring with the horns or kicking with the legs. Only angle and place is the hump
where the horns don’t reach easily and the body of the herder is too close to be kicked. This is
how the sport evolved as a competition to showcase the bull’s prowess as well as the
cowherd’s prowess.
Semi-domesticated cattle include cows and bulls reared by pastoral communities (Konar in
Tamil Nadu, Golla of Andhra, and Yadav of north India etc) as herds. These cows are always
mobile, grazing on pastoral lands and travel over a long area. The pastoral community looking
after these cows lives a nomadic life and moves along with the animals. Jallikattu is conducted
predominantly by the pastoral communities. Since the bulls in their herds are untied and roam
freely, they have to tame the bulls whenever they go out of control. The Konar community has
the tradition of marrying daughters to youth who successfully control the bull (part of their
occupational requirement). It is they who conduct this festival every year in their respective
villages.
Religious Significance:
1) Tamil literature contains references to Lord Krishna taming seven bulls to marry
Nappinnai, a Konar bride. Indeed, Tamil literature has many references to the Konar
(also called Idaiyar, or Aayar) and their bull festival, “Yeru Thaluvuthal” (bull embracing). 2) In the government gazette notification, each village where the permission to conduct JK
has been given, is listed along with the temple festival. This is not 1 or 2 villages but a
few hundred.
3) Many of the bulls are raised as Koyil Maadu (Temple Bull) as small and marginal farmers
can’t afford to raise a stud bull. The Temple Bull services all the cows in the village for 3
years and is then sold to another village to avoid inbreeding. The temple bull is allowed
a free run in the village and can eat what it wants. People pay obeisance to it when it
crosses their paths. The first bull to be let out in any JK is the host village’s temple bull.
Out of respect and devotion, no one touched the bull.
Biological Significance:
Cattle are bred by selective breeding. In commercialized methods using foreign breeds (Bos
Taurus), male calves are culled and artificial insemination is preferred.
In traditional pastoral/farming communities using Native Breeds (Bos Indicus), male calves are
segregated for breeding and draught purposes. The ones selected for breeding are identified
for their agility, shape, health and reared with special care. The ratio of Stud Bulls to Cows could
be 1: 30.
1) In situ conservation of livestock and poultry - Elizabeth L. Henson, FAO 1992
The major advantages for in situ conservation relate to the availability of technologies
and the utilization of the breeds.
The in situ conservation of live populations requires no advanced technology. There are
optimal sampling strategies (see section 4.3.1) and breeding strategies (see section 4.4),
but the basic needs of an in situ programme are already available and affordable
throughout the world. The farmers of every region and nation know how to manage and
maintain their local strains. They already have the capability, all they require is direction. In situ projects can ensure that financial commitment to the conservation of animal
genetic resources involves helping to improve the livelihood of farming communities
associated with the breeds targeted for conservation. Live conservation projects involve
animal utilization and are net producers of food, fibre and draught power (see table 6).
They do not require the importation of expensive materials, skills or equipment.
Live conservation programmes may survive major political or environmental upheaval,
wars, or climatic disasters that could eliminate frozen stores, especially those needing
imported frozen nitrogen. Sufficient numbers of breeding units must be established and
maintained, however, for each conserved population.
In situ projects enable breeds to be properly characterized and evaluated in their own
and related localities. They allow for comparative trials, research and crossing
experiments.
This method of conservation also allows populations to adapt to changing
environmental conditions and endemic diseases.
The maintenance of live herds allows for selection and improvement of populations
within the sustainable constraints
2) Living Off Biodiversity: Exploring Livelihoods and Biodiversity Issues in Natural
Resources Management – Izabella Koziell & Jacquelline Saunders, International
Institute for Environment and Development. 2001.
From what has been said, it will be clear that the most desirable solution is in situ
conservation, where livestock function within the production environment with which
they have evolved. Livestock, as crops, can come under pressure from external forces and
a breed can be lost through introgression or as a result of development or private sector
projects without any clear motivation. Livestock have a much longer cycle than crops
and it may take 10 years for it become clear to farmers that the high level of inputs required to keep an improved breed productive are uneconomic. In that decade it is
possible for all the original genetic material to disappear.
In situ conservation can also become a default situation, whereby communities keep
their traditional breeds simply because no strong forces oppose them. In many countries,
the powerful influence of the livestock companies may be said to constitute such a force.
Traditional strategies such as crossbreeding and the introduction of high-yielding exotics
are being amplified by programmes of artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer.
This clearly shows that the opposition to traditional Native Breeds and related Bio-Cultural
events are an international corporate funded attempt to destroy and eliminate our biodiversity
and gene pool. Already there are MNC companies promoting technology to ensure only female
calves are born. This is a highly dangerous and detrimental trend as these cattle borne out of
AI/Crossbreeding with imported breeds are unhealthy and do not survive in India.
Economic Significance:
Bulls that perform well in JK events are prized and much in demand for mating/servicing. The
progeny of these bulls are agile, healthy and thrive in the natural environment. JK is essentially
a trade show to showcase the best of the breeds. For a breed which is known to be naturally
pugnacious, the ability of the cowherds to be able to control it without ropes is very important.
Cattle are wealth for a farmer and only traditional farmers/pastoralists safeguard and rear male
calves. Conclusion
A TRADITIONAL SPORT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA
The sport of Jalli Kattu (Bull vaulting) part of the annual Pongal (harvest festival) of Tamil Nadu
is a celebration of livestock, the farmers’ main support system. There are a number of
indigenous breeds like Puliakulam, Malai Maadu, Umbalachery, Kangayam, Alambadi and
Barugur bulls which are fast disappearing. The bull-vaulters are mostly farmhands, in peak
physical condition and with electric swift reflexes. Jalli Kattu is a celebration of such Indian
breeds of cattle.
Jalli Kattu is symbolic of the intimate bond between cattle and agriculturalists. The fourth day
of the Pongal festival is geared towards livestock. The animals are bathed, scrubbed and their
horns painted. The sport consists of holding on to the hump of the bull and running along with
it for a given distance usually about 20-30 meters which is covered in barely 10-20 seconds.
During Jalli Kattu, the bulls are not harmed, or tormented. Unlike the Spanish sport, there is NO
fighting the bull at all. In fact one of the main rules of Jalli Kattu is that even one drop of the
blood of the ox cannot be spilt which is strictly followed by the organizers.
Ancient Heritage-our culture
Jalli Kattu is an ancient sport. The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization depict this sport which is
proof that this sport was in vogue 5000 years ago. Standard texts on Indus civilization provide
this information. Ancient Tamil poetry, known as Sangam literature (2nd BCE – 2nd CE), has many
detailed references to this sport. It was called Eru Thazhuvuthal (hugging the bull). See
Kalithokai, Sangam Literature. In an ancient Tamil text called Tirukkural, education is
considered to be wealth and the word used for wealth is Madu, meaning cattle. So it has a
socio-cultural connotation which denotes lives and livestock having co-existed and cultures
having coined usages around them. These are concrete evidences to prove that this has been part of the long Heritage of our
country. One strong characteristic of life in India is the persistence of certain social institutions,
the origins of which are lost in pre-history. Though the profile of these practices change, they
retain their essential features. Jalli Kattu is one such precious heritage that has been preserved
over millennia and our duty is to take this forward. Of course we should have rules and
restrictions for the conduct of the event but Jalli Kattu should go on.
Biological Conventions
According to principles 1, 2 & 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which India is
a signatory states, Livestock Keepers are creators of breeds and custodians of animal genetic
resources for food and agriculture; Livestock Keepers and the sustainable use of traditional
breeds are dependent on the conservation of their respective ecosystems; Traditional breeds
represent collective property, products of indigenous knowledge and cultural expression of
Livestock Keepers.
Our Appeal
Invoking legal status of nations’ signatory to Convention on Biological Diversity and Heritage
status nations’ worldwide practices, it is customary that these ancient traditional practices are
left as they are but with rules to organize them.
If this sport is banned, livestock keepers will be forced to abandon the raising of native
livestock, which already stand threatened due to extensive use of motor pumps, tractors and
mechanized agriculture. If the sport is banned it would be a death knell on the native species.
There are many such intangible threats that dictate the continuation of the livestock.
People who want a ban on this are unfortunately far removed from village life and do not know
how this chain works. They are rather not only cut off from these realities but also see this
event in isolation from the chain. It is imperative to educate them to understand the
significance. It is in our sincere attempt to save the traditional breeds from disappearing, we appeal to you
to kindly consider our request to not ban the event and allow this traditional practice. The
summary is as follows:
1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) supports traditional practices to keep the
chain intact and thus enables conservation of native breeds
2. As an ancient nation and an ancient practice this is our Heritage and should be seen as
one and hence we should to preserve it
3. There is no torture of any animal of any sort and the evidence of which can be seen
from live telecast made by media. The time a bull engaged in the sport is less than 30
seconds.
4. Rules can be implemented for safety of animals and men if required
5. We have lost many breeds and we can’t afford to lose any further. It will be a loss to the
Nation otherwise.
Annexure 1/2
What is Jalli Kattu?
The term Jalli Kattu means tying the coin. In the olden days a gold coin, wrapped in a piece of
cloth was tied to the horns and the tackler, hung on to the hump of the bull and untied the knot
to get at the prize. Now a token cloth is tied in the horns which the tackler collects as a trophy.
The focal point of the event is vaadivasal, the entrance. The bulls are let through this entrance,
into the track, where the bull-vaulters wait. The track is usually the main street of the village,
with the side lanes blocked. The event begins with the visit of village elders, led by a band
drummer, to the temple of the village deity. It is part of the culture of Village deities of Tamil
Nadu which does not have a priestly class and is egalitarian. Today, highly educated modern
youngsters from these villages are involved in the sport. Indispensability of Native Breeds- Cattle as Wealth
Native cattle have evolved over millennia adapting to the local environmental conditions. They
are an integral part of farming especially for small and marginal farmers as they serve multiple
purposes like ploughing, transportation, source for farmyard manure, organic treatments like
Panchagavya, Jeevamritham, and source of A2 milk. The native cattle are both an input as well
as insurance to the livestock keepers. In ancient Tamil and Sanskrit literature cattle is
considered as wealth. Cattle were measured as a unit of wealth. In an ancient Tamil text called
Tirukkural, education is considered to be wealth and the word used for wealth is Madu,
meaning cattle. So it has a socio-cultural connotation which denotes lives and livestock having
co-existed and cultures having coined usages around them.
What it (Jalli Kattu) is not?
In Spain during their traditional bull fight, the bull is baited, tortured and killed at the end. On
the other hand Jalli Kattu is not a sport where bulls are tortured or subjected to insult. Rather
they are treated with reverence and raised with pride.
Biological Conventions-legal aspects:
According to principles 1, 2 & 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which India is
a signatory, further states the following as rights for a livestock keeper:
Article 8 (j) of the CBD:
“Contracting parties shall…subject to national legislation, respect, preserve and
maintain knowledge innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities
embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity…“ Annexure 2/2
• Article 10(c) of the CBD:
“customary use of biological resources is protected and encouraged in accordance with
traditional cultural practices that are compatible with conservation and sustainable use
requirements”..
• Chapter 15(4)(g) of Agenda 21 calls on governments at the appropriate level
“to recognize and foster the traditional methods and knowledge of indigenous people
and their communities …relevant to the conservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources”.
• Chapter 15(5)(e) of Agenda 21: Governments should
“subject to national legislation, take action to respect, record, protect and promote the
wider application of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local
communities embodying traditional lifestyles for the conservation of biological diversity
and the sustainable use of biological resources …”
(Please note that India being a signatory to CBD, has enacted the Biodiversity Act 2002.)
Pg 17:
II.1.Ear Cutting/Mutilation:
Cattle have front only vision. Due to the ears being long, their vision is restricted. Many of the
cattle are grazed in reserve forest areas, village grazing lands near forest areas. Since there is a
major chance of attack by predators like Tigers, Panthers, Leopards, etc, the practice of
cropping the ears is there. This helps sight and sound localization. Their vision improves to
include areas behind them. For cows, the ear pinna would be torn where the lower part will be
hanging. For bulls which participate in Jallikattu, it is completely removed as there is danger of
this lower part getting torn down. This is not done for cows or bulls reared by farmers on their
farms. As Jallikattu bulls are from these pastoral communities, their ear pinna is seen cut. The
ear pinna is also cut for castrated bulls used for transport, and is thus not specific to Jallikattu,
as AWBI tries to project.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Now-you-can-dock-dogstail/articleshow/19537859.cms?referral=PM
II.2.Fracture and Dislocation of Tail Bones:
As the bulls grow as herds, there are occasions that their tails are tramped upon by other
animals, leading to dislocation of tail bones. This is has no relevance to Jallikattu, as projected.
Nor does the AWBI report mention how many bulls suffered from this problem, or provide
evidence of the same. The usage of the term “many” is deliberately done to mislead the court
and the people.
The organisers say that every bull is registered before participating in the Jallikattu, that hardly
one or two animals have bended tails, and challenge the AWBI or PETA to substantiate their allegations with the bull’s registration number(s). This is an exception and a miniscule number
of people indulge in this. The owner’s name/village is registered along with the bull. Action
should be taken against them.
II.3. Frequent Defecation and Urination:
Cattle are tied and kept in sheds at night where they stand in Urine and Dung through the night.
When they sit down, they are happy to sit on their dung. In fact they roll in a mixture of mud
and dung to cover their skin at night to form a preventive layer against Ticks and other
parasites. Frequent urination and defecation are normal as their digestive system is constantly
processing food/water. This is the reason why cowsheds have floors with incline to collect the
urine. These are not companion animals which have been toilet trained against their natural
instinct and biological function.
Native cattle Dung and Urine are proven for their medicinal value and are used in
Ayurveda/Siddha. Can the dung and urine, which are used as an effective disinfectant and antibacterial
agent by our traditional society, harm Jallikattu bulls alone?
The problem of crowding the bulls and making them move in the queue one by one is due to
the guidelines set up recently. Earlier 5-10 bulls would be brought to the Vaadi Vaasal (Release
Gate) and let out one by one. Regulations of the recent years have caused this situation where
the bulls are kept in a line and released.
II.4. Injuries and Death:
The tradition is even if a drop of the bull’s blood is spilt, the event will be stopped. Not a single
bull in injured in the events. There has no death of any bull in JK event.
In rare instances, such accidents may happen. Instead of regulating the said event, arguing that
this is the norm is not wrong. Out of 600 bulls participating in an event, barely a few are affected by such accidents; the AWBI could cite only one bull which died due to accident with a
truck (bringing urban visitors to the venue), and few other bulls which got injured. Does AWBI
have records of number of bulls killed in JK events all through the years? More cattle are killed
on roads than due to JK. The bull death as mentioned in the AWBI evidence was due to the bull
escaping outside the collecting area and running into the roads. This happens even when they
are grazed. More cattle are killed on roads.
III.1.Biting a Bull’s Tail & III.2. Twisting a Bull’s Tail & III.3. Poking Bulls with Knives and Sticks
III.4.Using irritants
Specific violators should be punished or banned from JK. AWBI has submitted video proof of
these violations, but is using this to destroy the sport and native species.
III.5.Using Nose Ropes
It’s the normal practice to use Nose Ropes to control Bulls. The nose ropes are cut (removed) to
release the bull. Sometimes Bulls are excited and want to be released. They want to be free and
run out of the gate. This is similar to dogs getting excited when owners release them from
leashes in parks. They know they are going to be free. This is normal animal psychology.
Also, the experienced bulls (which have long memories) are familiar with JK events and offer
their head to the owners to cut the rope. They plan their exit from the Vaadi Vaasal and time
their jump to avoid the players. These are intelligent animals and have evolved in this
environment over millennia.
III.6. Cramped Conditions
This is again due to regulations. As mentioned above, earlier a batch of 5-10 bulls were released
while the rest rested and ate. According to PCA (Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules, 2001, notification New Delhi, 26 Mar,
2001, a cow can be transported on foot for a maximum distance of 30 kms and a maximum
duration of 8 hours. These bulls can graze the entire day without sitting or taking rest. They can
withstand hot conditions as their body morphology has evolved for that.
Crossbreeding Bos Indicus and Bos Taurus for milk production in the tropics by E.P.
Cunningham & O. Syrstad, FAO Paper 1987:
Most of the cattle indigenous to the tropics belong to the zebu species.
Other conformation traits which are common to most zebu cattle are a narrow body, a sloping
rump, and rather long legs. The hide is thin, loosely attached, and the brisket and dewlap are
usually well developed, particularly in males. Size of the animals varies over a wide range, and
breed averages from below 200 to above 400 kg for mature cows have been reported.
Zebu cattle are well adapted to the tropical environments, mainly because of the following
attributes:
a) A high degree of heat tolerance, derived partly from low heat production and partly from a
large ability to dissipate heat. A high density of efficient sweat glands increases the loss of heat
through evaporation, and the short, sleek coat facilitates the convection to the surrounding air.
It has also been maintained that the small body size contributes to the heat tolerance, as small
animals have a higher surface to body mass ratio. However, the heat production at
maintenance is proportional to metabolic weight rather than to actual weight, and the ratio of
body surface to metabolic weight is almost independent of size.
b) Partial resistance to ticks, and thus to the many tick-borne diseases occurring in tropical
countries. Zebu animals have the ability to repel ticks by movements of the skin, but this is only
part of the explanation of their larger resistance. It has been demonstrated that when animals
are infested with tick larvae, fewer larvae develop into ticks in zebu than in European type cattle
(Utech et. al. 1978). Zebu cattle are often claimed to possess a certain degree of resistance also to many other tropical diseases. To what extent this is a genetic property or has been acquired
by immunization due to exposure in early life is questionable (Ansell, 1985).
c) Low nutritional requirements, because of small size, low metabolic rate, and possibly also
more efficient digestion at low feeding levels.
III.7.Forcing Bulls to Move Sideways: Same as above. Regulatory Hassles.
III.8.Lack of Food and Water
AWBI regulation Cattle can go without eating or drinking for up to 4 hours. According to PCA
(Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules, 2001, notification New Delhi, 26 Mar, 2001. Still if not for
the regulations now, the bulls would be fed and given water till the time they are released.
III.9. Forcing Bulls to Drink Liquids.
Cattle can drink by bending down only when there is a wide opening vessel or tank with water.
When the water is given to them in a bottle, it is exactly like giving a child or cattle medicine.
We have to raise the head and force feed it. Concluding the liquid is alcohol is presumptuous. It
is common practice to give glucose water or plain water.
AWBI has allowed Steroids for horses.
III.10. See II.3. above
III.11. Spectators Beating and Agitating Bulls: Regulations need to be enforced in these areas. III.12. Restraining and Roping
With the Nose rope, this is the only humane and safe method to catch a bull. This is the normal
practice of taking a Bull to a tree and putting the Nose Rope. As mentioned above, just like dogs
which do not like being leashed as they want to be free, some bulls exhibit same behavior.
V.Injuries and Deaths
Injuries are commonplace in villages especially when dealing with livestock. It is normal for a
cow which has had its first calf, to kick during milking. People don’t prefer to buy such young
mothers. During ploughing, injuries are normal. Rural life is not the same as urban life, where
safety and security are given more priority. Occupational hazards like livestock related injuries,
snake bites etc are part and parcel of daily life of a farmer. In JK, because of the regulations, the
number of injuries/deaths as well as the severity of the injuries has drastically come down than
yesteryears.
The regulations have been outlined without consulting the Organizers, Bull owners and Players
across different villages. There has been no study on the individual breeds or their
characteristics.
Barricades at Siravayal mentioned by AWBI were designed by Organizers and are the best
design, and were used in many other events in 2014.
Page 64: Summary
Beating, Kicking are exceptions, not the norm.
Page 65: “Behavioural responses to pain vary greatly from one species…
Stud Bulls need to be alert, virile, and agile. In the peak of their reproductive period, they need
to secrete the necessary male hormones and experience adrenalin rushes and pumping hearts. They need this for them to be virile. This is in the interest of the species as Selective Breeding is
done to propagate the species. Stud Bulls are used for JK and reproduction. Experienced Bulls
enjoy the situation and display a well thought out exit from the Vaadi Vaasal. Many of them
show off by shaking their heads as a warning. This shows the familiarity with the JK events.
Page 70: Performing Animals
Classifying Bulls as Draught and Pack animals in the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack
Animals Rules, 1965 is fundamentally wrong. We cannot define the characteristics for all the
breeds of the whole species.
Male calves identified for reproduction are raised as Bulls. Other male calves are castrated and
raised as Oxen/Bullocks. Only Oxen can and are used for draught purposes. In some places cows
might be used. Nowhere in India, is a Native Breed Bull used for pulling carts or loads.
On the other hand, every horse breed is not used and capable of running. Arabian breeds and
their descendant Marwari, Kathiawari are good at running, while many local short breeds are
used for draught purposes and don’t run.
For instance ALL horses were NOT bred for running. Some breeds are bred as draught animals
and some are bred to suit mountainous terrain. “In mountainous regions, the landscape has
favoured the selection of animals with innate sure-footedness, and this comes with the ability to
keep one's head in a crisis - which is really another way of describing an animal with a low
reactivity score. Traditionally it is maintained that the Highland pony was developed for
bringing game down from the hills after a day's shooting. Clearly, a horse that showed a
tendency to tear off at speed every time a grouse broke cover from underneath his feet would
not survive long in this tricky terrain.“
Traditionally, Kangayam breed cattle were identified and bought and bred with local cattle
breeds, as their offspring are agile and leaner than the Kangayam. This practice has been happening for over 1200 years as the main market at Kannapuram, Vellakoil, Tirupur Dt has
been selling cattle to other parts of South India.
All draught breeds are capable of running decent speeds as they’re adapted to the pastoral
system rather than stall fed system. In fact, in open areas during grazing the young and
mischievous adolescent bulls run away and wait for the cowherd to catch them. There are
historical instances like Tipu Sultan’s Army used Poorani breed for their ability to run at high
speeds while pulling loads of cannons. Anyone who has seen a birth of a calf will know that as
soon as the mother cleans the calf, the first thing that the calf does after standing up, is to run
in an agile manner.
Page 74: Natural Instinct
Native Species Bulls are known for their ability to attack predators while grazing, attack
strangers, exhibit extreme agility and awareness of the environment. These breeds have
evolved over several millennia in close contact with humans. Bulls have a long memory and get
better with experience and are able to avoid any contact with players easily.
Bulls are identified at when they are calves by their instinctive abilities to jump, run, poke, and
play with humans. The limbs, tails, hump, shoulders, horns etc are used to select them to be
raised as JK Bulls for selective breeding purposes, in the interest of the Indian Native Cattle
species. These bulls are pugnacious in nature. These cattle are reared in huge herds numbering
in hundreds with a few cowherds tending to them. These cattle are for all practical
comparisons, wild and only the cowherds can mingle with them without any fear of being
attacked.
The Social Behavior of Beef Cattle - Stephanie Epps
“Without human intervention, cattle are naturally herd animals. Males choose to be solitary.
Young males often form a male group with other males of a similar age. Older males often
remain alone and are very territorial” Page 96: Non Essential Activities
Bio-Cultural Significance:
Jalli Kattu and all such Bio-Cultural events associated with Human-Livestock have evolved over
time and have an intrinsic value in the propagation of the species. It’s well known that Bos
Indicus was domesticated in the Indus Valley area and JK has been recorded in the IVC.
Bulls when openly grazed do not have ropes with which they can be controlled. Cowherds
cannot grab the horns or the tail or the hind parts of a bull as this angle of approach is
vulnerable to goring with the horns or kicking with the legs. Only angle and place is the hump
where the horns don’t reach easily and the body of the herder is too close to be kicked. This is
how the sport evolved as a competition to showcase the bull’s prowess as well as the
cowherd’s prowess.
Semi-domesticated cattle include cows and bulls reared by pastoral communities (Konar in
Tamil Nadu, Golla of Andhra, and Yadav of north India etc) as herds. These cows are always
mobile, grazing on pastoral lands and travel over a long area. The pastoral community looking
after these cows lives a nomadic life and moves along with the animals. Jallikattu is conducted
predominantly by the pastoral communities. Since the bulls in their herds are untied and roam
freely, they have to tame the bulls whenever they go out of control. The Konar community has
the tradition of marrying daughters to youth who successfully control the bull (part of their
occupational requirement). It is they who conduct this festival every year in their respective
villages.
Religious Significance:
1) Tamil literature contains references to Lord Krishna taming seven bulls to marry
Nappinnai, a Konar bride. Indeed, Tamil literature has many references to the Konar
(also called Idaiyar, or Aayar) and their bull festival, “Yeru Thaluvuthal” (bull embracing). 2) In the government gazette notification, each village where the permission to conduct JK
has been given, is listed along with the temple festival. This is not 1 or 2 villages but a
few hundred.
3) Many of the bulls are raised as Koyil Maadu (Temple Bull) as small and marginal farmers
can’t afford to raise a stud bull. The Temple Bull services all the cows in the village for 3
years and is then sold to another village to avoid inbreeding. The temple bull is allowed
a free run in the village and can eat what it wants. People pay obeisance to it when it
crosses their paths. The first bull to be let out in any JK is the host village’s temple bull.
Out of respect and devotion, no one touched the bull.
Biological Significance:
Cattle are bred by selective breeding. In commercialized methods using foreign breeds (Bos
Taurus), male calves are culled and artificial insemination is preferred.
In traditional pastoral/farming communities using Native Breeds (Bos Indicus), male calves are
segregated for breeding and draught purposes. The ones selected for breeding are identified
for their agility, shape, health and reared with special care. The ratio of Stud Bulls to Cows could
be 1: 30.
1) In situ conservation of livestock and poultry - Elizabeth L. Henson, FAO 1992
The major advantages for in situ conservation relate to the availability of technologies
and the utilization of the breeds.
The in situ conservation of live populations requires no advanced technology. There are
optimal sampling strategies (see section 4.3.1) and breeding strategies (see section 4.4),
but the basic needs of an in situ programme are already available and affordable
throughout the world. The farmers of every region and nation know how to manage and
maintain their local strains. They already have the capability, all they require is direction. In situ projects can ensure that financial commitment to the conservation of animal
genetic resources involves helping to improve the livelihood of farming communities
associated with the breeds targeted for conservation. Live conservation projects involve
animal utilization and are net producers of food, fibre and draught power (see table 6).
They do not require the importation of expensive materials, skills or equipment.
Live conservation programmes may survive major political or environmental upheaval,
wars, or climatic disasters that could eliminate frozen stores, especially those needing
imported frozen nitrogen. Sufficient numbers of breeding units must be established and
maintained, however, for each conserved population.
In situ projects enable breeds to be properly characterized and evaluated in their own
and related localities. They allow for comparative trials, research and crossing
experiments.
This method of conservation also allows populations to adapt to changing
environmental conditions and endemic diseases.
The maintenance of live herds allows for selection and improvement of populations
within the sustainable constraints
2) Living Off Biodiversity: Exploring Livelihoods and Biodiversity Issues in Natural
Resources Management – Izabella Koziell & Jacquelline Saunders, International
Institute for Environment and Development. 2001.
From what has been said, it will be clear that the most desirable solution is in situ
conservation, where livestock function within the production environment with which
they have evolved. Livestock, as crops, can come under pressure from external forces and
a breed can be lost through introgression or as a result of development or private sector
projects without any clear motivation. Livestock have a much longer cycle than crops
and it may take 10 years for it become clear to farmers that the high level of inputs required to keep an improved breed productive are uneconomic. In that decade it is
possible for all the original genetic material to disappear.
In situ conservation can also become a default situation, whereby communities keep
their traditional breeds simply because no strong forces oppose them. In many countries,
the powerful influence of the livestock companies may be said to constitute such a force.
Traditional strategies such as crossbreeding and the introduction of high-yielding exotics
are being amplified by programmes of artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer.
This clearly shows that the opposition to traditional Native Breeds and related Bio-Cultural
events are an international corporate funded attempt to destroy and eliminate our biodiversity
and gene pool. Already there are MNC companies promoting technology to ensure only female
calves are born. This is a highly dangerous and detrimental trend as these cattle borne out of
AI/Crossbreeding with imported breeds are unhealthy and do not survive in India.
Economic Significance:
Bulls that perform well in JK events are prized and much in demand for mating/servicing. The
progeny of these bulls are agile, healthy and thrive in the natural environment. JK is essentially
a trade show to showcase the best of the breeds. For a breed which is known to be naturally
pugnacious, the ability of the cowherds to be able to control it without ropes is very important.
Cattle are wealth for a farmer and only traditional farmers/pastoralists safeguard and rear male
calves. Conclusion
A TRADITIONAL SPORT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA
The sport of Jalli Kattu (Bull vaulting) part of the annual Pongal (harvest festival) of Tamil Nadu
is a celebration of livestock, the farmers’ main support system. There are a number of
indigenous breeds like Puliakulam, Malai Maadu, Umbalachery, Kangayam, Alambadi and
Barugur bulls which are fast disappearing. The bull-vaulters are mostly farmhands, in peak
physical condition and with electric swift reflexes. Jalli Kattu is a celebration of such Indian
breeds of cattle.
Jalli Kattu is symbolic of the intimate bond between cattle and agriculturalists. The fourth day
of the Pongal festival is geared towards livestock. The animals are bathed, scrubbed and their
horns painted. The sport consists of holding on to the hump of the bull and running along with
it for a given distance usually about 20-30 meters which is covered in barely 10-20 seconds.
During Jalli Kattu, the bulls are not harmed, or tormented. Unlike the Spanish sport, there is NO
fighting the bull at all. In fact one of the main rules of Jalli Kattu is that even one drop of the
blood of the ox cannot be spilt which is strictly followed by the organizers.
Ancient Heritage-our culture
Jalli Kattu is an ancient sport. The seals of the Indus Valley Civilization depict this sport which is
proof that this sport was in vogue 5000 years ago. Standard texts on Indus civilization provide
this information. Ancient Tamil poetry, known as Sangam literature (2nd BCE – 2nd CE), has many
detailed references to this sport. It was called Eru Thazhuvuthal (hugging the bull). See
Kalithokai, Sangam Literature. In an ancient Tamil text called Tirukkural, education is
considered to be wealth and the word used for wealth is Madu, meaning cattle. So it has a
socio-cultural connotation which denotes lives and livestock having co-existed and cultures
having coined usages around them. These are concrete evidences to prove that this has been part of the long Heritage of our
country. One strong characteristic of life in India is the persistence of certain social institutions,
the origins of which are lost in pre-history. Though the profile of these practices change, they
retain their essential features. Jalli Kattu is one such precious heritage that has been preserved
over millennia and our duty is to take this forward. Of course we should have rules and
restrictions for the conduct of the event but Jalli Kattu should go on.
Biological Conventions
According to principles 1, 2 & 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which India is
a signatory states, Livestock Keepers are creators of breeds and custodians of animal genetic
resources for food and agriculture; Livestock Keepers and the sustainable use of traditional
breeds are dependent on the conservation of their respective ecosystems; Traditional breeds
represent collective property, products of indigenous knowledge and cultural expression of
Livestock Keepers.
Our Appeal
Invoking legal status of nations’ signatory to Convention on Biological Diversity and Heritage
status nations’ worldwide practices, it is customary that these ancient traditional practices are
left as they are but with rules to organize them.
If this sport is banned, livestock keepers will be forced to abandon the raising of native
livestock, which already stand threatened due to extensive use of motor pumps, tractors and
mechanized agriculture. If the sport is banned it would be a death knell on the native species.
There are many such intangible threats that dictate the continuation of the livestock.
People who want a ban on this are unfortunately far removed from village life and do not know
how this chain works. They are rather not only cut off from these realities but also see this
event in isolation from the chain. It is imperative to educate them to understand the
significance. It is in our sincere attempt to save the traditional breeds from disappearing, we appeal to you
to kindly consider our request to not ban the event and allow this traditional practice. The
summary is as follows:
1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) supports traditional practices to keep the
chain intact and thus enables conservation of native breeds
2. As an ancient nation and an ancient practice this is our Heritage and should be seen as
one and hence we should to preserve it
3. There is no torture of any animal of any sort and the evidence of which can be seen
from live telecast made by media. The time a bull engaged in the sport is less than 30
seconds.
4. Rules can be implemented for safety of animals and men if required
5. We have lost many breeds and we can’t afford to lose any further. It will be a loss to the
Nation otherwise.
Annexure 1/2
What is Jalli Kattu?
The term Jalli Kattu means tying the coin. In the olden days a gold coin, wrapped in a piece of
cloth was tied to the horns and the tackler, hung on to the hump of the bull and untied the knot
to get at the prize. Now a token cloth is tied in the horns which the tackler collects as a trophy.
The focal point of the event is vaadivasal, the entrance. The bulls are let through this entrance,
into the track, where the bull-vaulters wait. The track is usually the main street of the village,
with the side lanes blocked. The event begins with the visit of village elders, led by a band
drummer, to the temple of the village deity. It is part of the culture of Village deities of Tamil
Nadu which does not have a priestly class and is egalitarian. Today, highly educated modern
youngsters from these villages are involved in the sport. Indispensability of Native Breeds- Cattle as Wealth
Native cattle have evolved over millennia adapting to the local environmental conditions. They
are an integral part of farming especially for small and marginal farmers as they serve multiple
purposes like ploughing, transportation, source for farmyard manure, organic treatments like
Panchagavya, Jeevamritham, and source of A2 milk. The native cattle are both an input as well
as insurance to the livestock keepers. In ancient Tamil and Sanskrit literature cattle is
considered as wealth. Cattle were measured as a unit of wealth. In an ancient Tamil text called
Tirukkural, education is considered to be wealth and the word used for wealth is Madu,
meaning cattle. So it has a socio-cultural connotation which denotes lives and livestock having
co-existed and cultures having coined usages around them.
What it (Jalli Kattu) is not?
In Spain during their traditional bull fight, the bull is baited, tortured and killed at the end. On
the other hand Jalli Kattu is not a sport where bulls are tortured or subjected to insult. Rather
they are treated with reverence and raised with pride.
Biological Conventions-legal aspects:
According to principles 1, 2 & 3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which India is
a signatory, further states the following as rights for a livestock keeper:
Article 8 (j) of the CBD:
“Contracting parties shall…subject to national legislation, respect, preserve and
maintain knowledge innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities
embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity…“ Annexure 2/2
• Article 10(c) of the CBD:
“customary use of biological resources is protected and encouraged in accordance with
traditional cultural practices that are compatible with conservation and sustainable use
requirements”..
• Chapter 15(4)(g) of Agenda 21 calls on governments at the appropriate level
“to recognize and foster the traditional methods and knowledge of indigenous people
and their communities …relevant to the conservation of biological diversity and the
sustainable use of biological resources”.
• Chapter 15(5)(e) of Agenda 21: Governments should
“subject to national legislation, take action to respect, record, protect and promote the
wider application of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local
communities embodying traditional lifestyles for the conservation of biological diversity
and the sustainable use of biological resources …”
(Please note that India being a signatory to CBD, has enacted the Biodiversity Act 2002.)
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