Katra, October 1: The Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu, with support from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, seized 140 metal spiked, or “thorn”, bits being used to control horses during an awareness-cum-enforcement drive in Katra and Shiv Khori.
The enforcement action was aimed at preventing the use of spiked bits on horses engaged in tourist rides, transportation of goods and other activities. According to the Animal Husbandry Department and PETA India, the use of such spiked bits violates Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965.
Officials confiscated the spiked devices and replaced them with smooth, painless bits for the horses. The drive was also aimed at creating awareness among horse owners, tourism operators, tourists and other stakeholders about humane practices in handling animals.
Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu Director Dr. Yugal Kishore said that tourism and celebrations should not come at the cost of animal welfare. He stated that spiked bits are designed to inflict pain and injury and that the enforcement drive was undertaken to prevent cruelty and provide relief to horses in accordance with the applicable rules.
PETA India Policy Associate Chumki Dutta said that spiked bits are used to control horses through pain and urged horse owners to abandon such devices. She also appealed to the public to consider mechanised transportation and other humane alternatives for tourism and similar activities.
PETA India Senior Manager of Mechanisation Projects Mahesh Tyagi said that the continued use of spiked bits is linked to the belief that painful devices are necessary to control horses. He urged authorities to ensure that equine keepers do not use such devices and adopt humane animal-management practices.
The awareness-cum-enforcement drive was conducted on October 1, 2026, at the Veterinary Dispensary, Katra, near the petrol pump at Matyal Katra on Kashmir Road.
PETA India said it has been conducting a nationwide campaign to assist Animal Husbandry departments and police authorities in enforcing the prohibition on spiked bits. The organisation said several states and Union Territories have also issued orders for enforcement of the ban.
The latest action in Katra and Shiv Khori highlights the need for continued monitoring and awareness among horse owners and tourism stakeholders to ensure that animal welfare regulations are followed.
JK EXPRESS TV | Reasi/Katra
