Spiked horse bit angers animal activists

Animal activists on Wednesday found two Victoria horses fitted with spiked bits, which is illegal, in their mouths. On Wednesday, members of People for Animals found a Victoria horse near Kala Ghoda area in Fort fitted with a spiked bit. "It's lips were swollen and it must have been in pain due to cuts from the spikes," said a member who found the horse but did not wish to be named. A bit is a metal piece put in a horse's mouth to control it. The metal part is placed in the mouth which is connected to rings which are in turn connected to the reins. Some people believe spiked bits make a horse more obedient.

The members immediately alerted Colaba police and confiscated the bit themselves so that it could not be used again by another horse handler. They also submitted a complaint letter against the owner at Colaba police station.

"Bits with metal spikes are prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animal Rules 1965," said Poonam Mahajan, Trustee, People for Animals. However, no complaint has been registered yet.

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