🚫 Don’t colour animals this Holi

The state’s animal welfare board issues an order against colouring animals on Holi.

Story so far: With Holi celebrations approaching this week, the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board (KAWB) issued an order requesting that people refrain from applying gulal and other colours on animals.

• The order stated that the authorities and concerned citizens could pursue legal action against the violators under the Animal Cruelty Act 1960. Thus, citizens should take the necessary safeguards.
• KAWB’s order argued that many animals are harmed during Holi celebrations, either directly or indirectly.

Why it matters? Holi colours are made from chemicals particularly harmful to the animals’ skin. It may cause allergic reactions or blindness if it makes contact with their eyes. When animals like dogs, cats, and cows will clean themselves with their tongue, they inevitably ingest the harmful chemicals.