11 December,2012 12:13 AM IST | | Chetna Sadadekar
On December 9th, some residents of Colaba came across a horse whose mouth had been pricked due to the spiked metal hooks. The residents initially informed People for Animals, an NGO that looks after the welfare of animals. The citizens then caught the person riding the horse and took him to the Colaba police station.
"These spiked bits are fitted inside the mouth of the horse. When the left side of the rope is pulled, it hurts the horse, it turns left," said Ambika Hiranandani, from People for Animals.
These bits are illegal and specifically prohibited under Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animals Rules, 1965. The horse owners do not follow any of the laws, rules or guidelines.