Chandigarh, February 25: Bullock cart races at Kila Raipur Rural are set to begin soon as Punjab assembly on Monday unanimously passed the Bill to allow these races.
The Bill moved by Animal Husbandry Minister Balbir Sidhu Sidhu stated that the bullock cart race should be permitted as it is a unique heritage of the state and holds sporting significance in the Kila Raipur event. However, it has mentioned that the race, a source of customary entertainment for rural Punjab, shall now be conducted as per the rules notified by the state government.
The previous government had revoked the bullock-cart race during the Kila Raipur Rural event to prevent the infliction of unnecessary cruelty and suffering on animals. In a Bill proposed by Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Balbir Singh Sidhu, it has been mentioned that the necessary changes will be made to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, in order to conduct the race and maintain the long tradition.
