Mangaluru: After the officers of Animal Welfare Board lodged at least 21 non-cognizable complaints against ‘Baradi Beedu’ Kambala organizers for animal cruelty, the organizers have claimed that there was no cruelty and have dismissed other allegations made by the board.

Speaking to the reporters in the city on Saturday, Dr. K. Jeevandhara Ballal, organizer said that they were aware of the eight directives of High Court to ensure no cruelty to animals. Accordingly, we had directed the participants too and we followed it. But, the board’s allegation shows that they want to ban Kambala by hook or crook”, he added. 

He further said that the complaint and statements of AWBI were contradictory and a contorted  version of the truth. The tahsildar, who watched the entire event had congratulated organizers for conducting cruelty-free Kambala, he said.

Jeevandhara Ballal also countered the complaints made by AWBI citing that the participants love and take care of buffaloes more than the board. Among the 21 observations, the board stated that the participants were putting prasadam in the form of kukum and theertha on the buffaloes, saying the theertha could be drugged.

Secondly, buffaloes were transported in lorry, which was not in favor of animal welfare. There was an insufficient landing facility for the animals to alight from the vehicles. Besides, the AWBI stated that the animals were not vaccinated. The board accused buffaloes being restrained by nose rope. The board also complained that the animals are threatened with loud noises and shouting, colorful cloths and were beaten with sticks and towels.