Mangaluru: Animal Care Trust (ACT), a recognised institution under Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), has asked Tiger dance troupes not to indulge in sheep throwing and not to abuse any animals, including reptiles, during the Dasara procession.

ACT Trustee Suma R Nayak, in a press release, informed that, for the past 18 years, tiger dance troupes have co-operated with the district administration as well as the police authorities and abided by the law. They have not indulged in sheep throwing during their dance or entertainment programmes for the Navaratri Festival. This year as well, the troupes all over Dakshina Kannada have been requested to respect the law and not indulge in sheep throwing. Any group indulging in the same will be penalised under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The use of snakes or any other animal in dances or programmes during the Dasara procession is condemned by the Trust and individuals or groups indulging in such illegal activities will penalised under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. DK district Deputy Commissioner and also the Commissioner of Police should take preventive steps in this regard, she urged in the press release.