An order issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry has called for stern action against cruelty to animals. This follows complaints received by the government about events like Kaalapoottu, Kannupoottu, Maramadi and Uzhavu held in different parts of the State.

A press note said cruelty to animals would invite stern action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and a Supreme Court verdict on the issue.

It said the State Forest Department had banned the training and exhibition of animals like bear, monkey, tiger, leopard, lion and bullock while the Supreme Court had prohibited events like Jallikettu and bullock cart racing.