Tamil Nadu animal welfare panel seeks strict norms for use of horses on beach
The Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) has released a detailed report recommending strict norms for the maintenance of beach horses used for joyrides and events. This follows the emergence of images showing the extremely poor maintenance of these animals.
There are 160 horses used for joyrides on Marina and Besant Nagar beaches in Chennai. Recently, pictures came to light highlighting the poor living conditions of these horses. Two images showed horses suffering from enlarged wounds in the rectum, while three images depicted them with open, gaping wounds, with one wound even covered with a sack.
In response to continuous complaints, the TNAWB conducted a study and has issued a report suggesting stringent measures. These measures include banning repeat offenders from obtaining horses and establishing a committee to monitor the horses' conditions periodically.
From the government's end, the TNAWB has recommended the allocation of land with stables and quarterly medical check-ups.
Additionally, the board has suggested that those wishing to own a horse for commercial purposes should obtain approval from the TNAWB, which would ensure that the owner can provide the horse with a proper stable and feed.
The TNAWB's actions come after repeated instances of horses living in poor conditions, feeding on garbage, and suffering from severe wounds while still being used for commercial purposes were brought to their attention.
