Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP) 

Mangaluru, Nov 29: Even as Kambala season is set to commence, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has knocked at the doors of the Supreme Court again, against continuance of Kambala buffalo race being organized in slushy fields, which is a folk sport that is part and parcel of the culture of Karnataka coast. 

PETA, which has been fighting against organizing Kambalas since 2014, had also succeeded in staying Kambala sport for a few years. With the concerted efforts of organizers, people who raise buffaloes for racing, Kambala Samiti, and others spanning over four years, all obstacles for holding Kambalas were cleared. Last year, Kambalas were held in accordance with government rules, and they had proved to be a hit.

Some of the rules prescribed as not to thwack the animals during the race, not to use cane, not to insert ropes through the noses of animals, not to make them run for over 100 meters at a time, not to make the animals run when the temperature outside is high. PETA, which reportedly has captured video footage of violation of certain rules in some races, now has requested the SC to stay operation of Kambalas. 

PETA says that rules were violated in Kambalas last year at Baradibeedu, Moodbidri, Vamanjoor Tirivailguthu and Kulur. They claim that the buffaloes were tortured, they were made to run even during high heat conditions, they were hit with canes and that gambling is going on in the name of Kambala. 

So far there is no indication when hearing into the application will begin. 

Undivided Dakshina Kannada district Kambala Committee president, P R Shetty, felt that no one would be able to stop Kambalas which have already been approved by the state, central governments as well as the Governor and President. He lamented the renewed efforts being made by PETA to ban Kambalas with the help of some twisted video clips. He added that all out preparations for successfully organizing Kambalas for 2019-20 are being made under the supervision of the deputy commissioner of the district, police, and animal husbandry department.