Haveri District Administration Implements Strict Ban on Animal Sacrifices at Upcoming Festival
In a significant move to uphold animal welfare laws, the Haveri district administration has issued a comprehensive prohibition on animal sacrifices at the upcoming Sri Dyamavva Devi festival in Havanur village. This decisive action follows a formal appeal from animal rights activists and references longstanding legal provisions in Karnataka.
Activist's Appeal Triggers Administrative Action
Dayanand Swamiji, the president of the World Animal Welfare Board, played a pivotal role in catalyzing this development. He publicly urged the district administration and police department to establish check posts at strategic locations to prevent animals from being transported to the festival site in Havanur village, Haveri taluk. The festival, scheduled to run from January 23 for one week, has historically seen thousands of animal sacrifices, a practice that Swamiji emphasized is both illegal and inhumane.
Addressing the media, Swamiji highlighted that animal sacrifices are strictly prohibited under a high court order applicable to all festivals. He noted that through persistent awareness campaigns and efforts by the World Animal Welfare Board over recent years, the incidence of such sacrifices has already seen a noticeable decline. Furthermore, he referenced the Karnataka Animal Sacrifice Prohibition Act, which was amended in 1975, reminding authorities that the state was declared free of animal sacrifices as far back as 1955. "No mute animals should be sacrificed," he asserted, calling for a festival free of such practices.
Official Memorandum Leads to Immediate Ban
On Wednesday, Swamiji submitted a detailed memorandum to the deputy commissioner, formally requesting intervention. In response, Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar swiftly issued an order prohibiting all animal and bird sacrifices at the Havanur village deity festival. Citing the Karnataka Animal Sacrifice Prohibition Act, DC Danammanavar clarified that offering animal sacrifices at temples constitutes a direct violation of the law.
The official order mandates that during the Sri Gramadevata festival, scheduled from January 23 for one week in Havanur village, no animal sacrifices shall be permitted on temple premises or within the village area by devotees or the general public. This measure is implemented to maintain law and order and safeguard public interests, aligning with both legal statutes and ethical considerations.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This ban underscores a growing enforcement of animal protection laws in Karnataka, particularly in rural festival contexts where traditional practices often conflict with modern legal frameworks. The district administration's proactive stance, prompted by activist advocacy, sets a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues. It also reflects a broader shift towards more humane and legally compliant cultural celebrations, balancing tradition with contemporary welfare standards.
As the festival approaches, authorities are expected to monitor compliance closely, ensuring that the prohibition is effectively enforced. This move not only protects animals but also reinforces the rule of law, demonstrating how collaborative efforts between activists and officials can lead to meaningful change in community practices.
