140. That is how many spiked metal bits the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) of Jammu, working with PETA India, took off horses used for tourist rides and goods hauling at Katra and Shiv Khori, according to reports dated 2 and 3 October. Each one was exchanged for a smooth, painless bit.
If you are heading to Katra for a weekend, here is what that means for you.
What was seized, and under which rule
The exchange happened during an awareness-cum-enforcement drive at the Veterinary Dispensary in Katra, as Greater Kashmir reported. The action was taken under Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965. A spiked bit is designed to control a horse through pain, and PETA India's Chumki Dutta said such bits "can cause injuries to their lips and tongues."
Dr Yugal Kishore, Director of Animal Husbandry, Jammu, said: "Tourism and celebrations must never come at the cost of an animal's well-being."
A quick checklist before you ride
- Look at the bit. A smooth bit is what the drive handed out. If you see sharp metal points on the mouthpiece, do not ride that animal.
- Watch the animal. Visible mouth injuries are a reason to say no.
- Know your options. PETA India urged visitors and operators to choose mechanised transport instead of horse rides.
Why now
Katra's Navratra Festival runs 11 to 19 October, and crowds will rise. We have a separate weekend checklist for the festival covering registration and bookings.
What has not been said
The reports do not say how many operators were checked in total, whether any penalty was imposed, or whether further drives are planned. We have left those out rather than guess.
Photo: file photo of Katra, not of the drive.
Sources: Greater Kashmir; The Tribune.
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