Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is actively working on reviving traditional cattle races, which were once a significant part of the state’s agrarian culture but were banned under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Animal Husbandry Department has drafted an Amendment Bill, which is currently under legal review. If approved by the Cabinet, the Bill will be presented in the ongoing Assembly session; otherwise, it will be introduced in the next session. Meanwhile, an ordinance is being considered as a temporary measure to reintroduce these races.
Following the Jallikattu ban in Tamil Nadu, Kerala’s traditional agrarian sports, including Maramadi, Kalapoottu, Kannupoottu, Kalayottam, and Kalavandiottam, were prohibited after the Kerala High Court enforced the 1960 Act. The state government had earlier attempted to revive these races through legislation, securing Cabinet approval for a draft ordinance. However, since the 1960 Act falls under Central law, implementing the ordinance required presidential assent, which has been pending despite ongoing communication with the Union Home Ministry since 2021.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu successfully legalised Jallikattu, and Karnataka brought back Kambala races after obtaining the President’s approval. Although animal welfare organisations challenged these decisions, the Supreme Court upheld them in 2023, recognising these events as an integral part of the agricultural and cultural traditions of the respective states.
Encouraged by these developments, the Kerala government believes it can secure similar approval by amending the 1960 Central law through the State Assembly and seeking presidential assent. However, the move is expected to face strong resistance from animal rights groups, who have long campaigned against such sports due to concerns over animal cruelty and ethical treatment.
