Bharatiya Prani Mitra Sangh (BPMS) general secretary Mahesh Agarwal here on Monday appealed to the people not to sacrifice any animal or bird on Ayudha Puja on Tuesday on account of Dasara festival. In a statement, Mahesh Agarwal stated that as per the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifice (Prohibition) Act No 15 of 1970 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, sacrifice of any animal or bird for the purpose of any religious worship was illegal. He warned that those who violate the law would be liable for punishment, including three-month jail term.

Though several directives have been issued by various departments, animal sacrifice was being done on various religious premises, government offices, factories and public places, he said. On the occasion of Ayudha Puja (Vijaya Dasami) on October 11, sacrifices of animals on large scale will take place in the State. In this regard, a representation has been made to the Director General of Police, APSRTC, South Central Railway and Commissoner of Endowments to impose ban on sacrifices in public places and religious places.