Punjab CM Mann Hails Punjab’s 2025 Act to Restore Bullock Cart Racing Tradition

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the revival of bullock cart racing, a cherished rural tradition, through the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act-2025. Speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann emphasized the sport’s deep ties to the state’s agrarian culture, where bullock carts symbolize rural life. The Act, passed unanimously, paves the way for races to resume across Punjab, reversing a 2014 Supreme Court ban that halted the practice due to animal welfare concerns.

Punjab Revives Bullock Cart Racing

The new legislation prioritizes the well-being of animals, mandating strict safety protocols for bullocks participating in races. The Act requires organizers to provide veterinary care, limit race durations, and ensure humane treatment, with penalties for violations. Mann stated, “Our goal is to preserve Punjab’s heritage while protecting our animals.” Guidelines include regular health checks, padded harnesses, and restrictions on overloading carts, addressing past criticisms from animal rights groups like PETA India, which had flagged cruelty in earlier races.

Punjab's Cultural Revival

The sport, involving teams of bullocks pulling carts over short distances, showcases the strength of local breeds like the Nili-Ravi. The Act allows races in districts such as Sangrur, Bathinda, and Ferozepur, with over 50 events planned for 2025-26. Farmers and rural youth have welcomed the move, seeing it as a boost to cultural identity and local economies.

Bullock Cart Race Return to Punjab

The decision has garnered widespread support, with opposition leaders in the Vidhan Sabha, including Congress and SAD, backing the Act for balancing tradition and ethics.  However, activists urge vigilant enforcement to prevent animal distress, citing the need for trained inspectors at events.