Jamshedpur: East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Rajiv Ranjan has directed officials to strictly enforce restrictions on cockfighting and initiate legal action against those organising or participating in the practice.Chairing a meeting of the Animal Cruelty Prevention Committee on Saturday, Ranjan asked officials to step up vigilance in rural areas and conduct regular inspections and special drives to prevent cockfighting and other forms of animal cruelty. He also called for stronger local intelligence networks to ensure prompt action against violators.Cockfighting is traditionally held in rural and tribal areas of Jharkhand and adjoining Bengal, particularly during community gatherings and festivals such as Tusu Parab and Makar Sankranti. However, the practice has drawn legal and ethical objections over animal cruelty and gambling.The meeting also reviewed measures to enforce animal welfare rules, curb illegal activities, regulate animal transportation and promote humane treatment.Ranjan directed officials to ensure that slaughtering facilities and meat selling outlets are kept separate, as mandated under the rules. Authorities were asked to inspect such establishments regularly and enforce prescribed standards.“Animal welfare is not merely a matter of administrative action, but is also linked to human compassion and social responsibility,” he said.Municipal bodies were instructed to launch drives to safely capture stray animals and shift them to designated gaushalas or shelters. Owners may reclaim animals after paying prescribed food and care charges. The committee also discussed ways to make owners more accountable.SSP Ehtesham Waqarib, animal husbandry officials, gaushala representatives and other officials attended the meeting.
