Police seize over 50 metallic bits used on horses

New Delhi: Over 50 sharp metallic bits that were used on horses to control them during wedding celebrations or recreational rides, have been seized by the Delhi Police during a campaign in the city, an animals rights group said on Tuesday.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has been running an awareness campaign with the help of the Delhi Police to highlight the plight of horses, especially those which are used during celebrations, like weddings. 

"With the help of police, 52 spiked bits were seized. These bits are used to control horses during weddings and rides despite being prohibited under Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965," a PETA representative told reporters.

As part of their awareness drive, the PETA India seeks ending the use of these sharp metallic bits, generally known as spiked bits. These sharp devices are inserted in the mouth of a horse to control it during weddings or rides. Out of the 52 spiked bits, 29 were seized from weddings in west Delhi's Moti Nagar. The seized bits have been displayed outside the Moti Nagar Police Station. 

The horse-owners have been warned to replace spiked bits with plain ones. Even the plain ones could be uncomfortable for the horses, but they are not harmful, said Nikunj Sharma, the Associate Director (Policy) of the PETA India.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, "No person shall, for the purpose of driving or riding an animal or causing it to draw any vehicle or for otherwise controlling it, use any spiked stick or bit, harness or yoke with spikes, knobs or -projections or any other sharp tackle or equipment which causes or is likely to cause bruises, swellings, abrasions or severe pain to the animal."