Raigad police have prevented an illegal horse race in Karjat’s Khadyachapada village, organised under the guidance of the local member of legislative assembly, after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India intervened and raised the issue with the police.
‘Ashvapal Sanghatana Matheran’ and Khadyachapada’s ‘Bachha Sharyat Group Va Gramastha Mandal’ had jointly organised a series of horse races under the title of ‘Bhavya Aamdar Kesari Ashva Sharyat 2025’ on February 6 at the village’s Jay Saproba ground. The race was organised under the guidance of Karjat’s MLA Mahendra Thorve, who was also supposed to inaugurate the race.
The organisers had also announced cash prizes for winners ranging upto Rs31,000. Upon receiving information about illegal horse races through a promotional poster, PETA India worked with Raigad police, which successfully prevented the event from taking place.
Saloni Sakaria, Lead Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India, said, “Horse races are cruel as they force animals to endure extreme physical strain, often causing injury, exhaustion, and even death. These animals already have a hard life without being forced to endure the additional torment of being beaten and compelled to race.”
“We commend Raigad Police, particularly Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, IPS, and Senior Police Inspector of Neral Police Station Shivaji Dhavale, for upholding the law and protecting the horses from abuse,” she added.
PETA India said that Horses used for racing are forced to sprint through whippings and weapons at speeds so fast they frequently sustain injuries and can even haemorrhage from the lungs. In 2016, the Rajasthan High Court prohibited tonga races in Rajasthan after reviewing a report from the Animal Welfare Board of India. The report highlighted that horses suffer from cruelty when they are compelled to run amid noisy vehicles and loud spectators, causing them fear and distress.
Earlier this month, PETA India had successfully prevented a similar illegal horse race organised at Dahanu Beach, after it got to know about the race through an Instagram post. PETA India had notified Palghar police and successfully prevented the event from taking place.
