Karnataka amends law to allow kambala

Kambala, the traditional buffalo race, has received approval by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday by way of passing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017.The Bill seeks to exempt kambala and bullock-cart racing from the ambit of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.

Kambala is currently stayed by the High Court following a petition by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Thousands in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, where kambala is widely held, had protested the ban. They argued that the annual kambala races in paddy fields were part of their tradition. The sport did not torture animals, they said. The movement gathered momentum after the jallikattu agitation in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Governor Vajubhai R. Vala is likely to refer the Bill to the President for his assent.