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Police shootings of alleged cow smugglers in India raise alarm about impunity and bias, according to Religion News Service. Police officers in Uttar Pradesh shot and injured several individuals accused of being cow smugglers who were allegedly transporting cattle illegally across various districts of the state. Human rights activists alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Police are carrying out these encounters to bypass the formal justice system. These advocates claimed the police are disproportionately targeting minority communities under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, which restricts the transport and slaughter of cattle. A legal advocate stated that the authorities use these shootings as a “shortcut to justice” instead of following the established legal framework for animal welfare violations. While the police claimed the suspects fired first, activists have called for independent investigations into the rising number of gun-related injuries. Families of the victims are filing petitions in the High Court to seek accountability for the use of force during these cattle-related arrests.
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The Allahabad High Court has upheld the 10-month detention of three individuals under the National Security Act. This decision was made on 26 Feb 2026. The ruling is related to their involvement in cattle slaughter during the Navratri festival. The Court held that the slaughter of cattle on the first day of Navratri went beyond a routine criminal offence and struck at religious sentiments.
Mysuru Dasara faces elephant ban demand after safety concerns raised about captive elephants used in the festival in Mysuru, Karnataka. Animal welfare activists and concerned citizens urged authorities to stop using elephants in the celebrations due to safety risks and animal welfare issues. The petitioners asked the Karnataka Forest Department and the district administration to replace live elephants with mechanised alternatives or cultural floats. Opposing the demand, temple authorities and festival committees stated that traditional rituals require live animals. The forest department stated that veterinary teams monitor the health and stress levels of the participating elephants throughout the festival. Officials stated that a final decision on the participation of the elephants will be taken after reviewing safety guidelines and consulting stakeholders before the next festival season.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court permitted the felling of trees for the Indore Metro project while ordering measures to protect nesting birds in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A division bench of the High Court issued these directions in Indore after a petition raised concerns about the impact of the construction on local avian populations. The court held that the Indore Metro Rail Corporation must carry out the tree cutting in a phased manner under the supervision of bird experts. This supervision aims to ensure that no nests are destroyed during the breeding season, as the court noted the importance of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation. The Indore Municipal Corporation and the forest department are tasked with identifying suitable locations for transplanting trees and rehabilitating any affected wildlife. The project proponents must submit periodic compliance reports to the court to confirm that the felling adheres to the stipulated wildlife protection guidelines.
The Animal Welfare Board of India issued a circular requiring strict adherence to stray dog management regulations. The notice mandates compliance with Supreme Court of India orders from a 2025 case, the board's standard operating procedures, and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. These directions apply to all state governments, union territory administrations, local authorities, and implementing agencies across the country.
The Animal Welfare Board of India issued a circular requesting an end to the unlawful transport and slaughter of animals. The notification also urged the humane treatment of animals, noting that large numbers of animals are illegally transported and slaughtered for food especially during festivals. The Animal Welfare Board of India stated that owner negligence during transport leads to cruelty and even death, which constitutes a punishable offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The document bears file number AC-02003/2/2025-AWBI.
The Animal Welfare Board of India issued a circular regarding the unlawful transport and slaughter of animals. Document file number AC-02003/2/2025-AWBI was addressed to animal husbandry directors, state animal welfare boards, and municipal commissioners across all states and union territories. The notice called for an end to these illegal practices and urged the humane treatment of animals, noting that large numbers of animals are illegally transported and slaughtered for food especially during festivals. The board requested authorities to take precautionary measures for the strict implementation of animal welfare laws, prevent illegal killing, and take stringent action against offenders. No further details were provided in the document.
