Chittoor imposes complete ban on cockfights; violators warned of strict action

The Chittoor district administration has imposed a complete ban on cockfights following the directions issued by the State government. In a statement issued here on Monday (January 12, 2026), Joint Director (Animal Husbandry) D. Umamaheshwari said that cockfights are illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and in line with clear directions issued by the Supreme Court and High Courts.

The practice has been categorised as cruelty and violence against animals and cannot be justified in the name of tradition, she added. She said organising cockfights, encouraging or facilitating the activity, conducting betting, or fixing sharp blades and knives to roosters were all prohibited offences. Any attempt to conduct cockfighting anywhere in the district would attract stringent legal action against those involved, she warned.

Dr. Umamaheshwari said that the police, revenue, animal husbandry, and other concerned departments were working in coordination and maintaining continuous surveillance to prevent illegal cockfighting. Special monitoring was in place to deter violations.

Appealing to villagers, youth, and the public, she urged them to respect the law and stay away from such activities. Protecting animal welfare, maintaining public order, and upholding the rule of law were collective responsibilities, she added.