Animal protection group cries foul at 'Khatron Ke Khiladi-4'

Mumbai, July 23 (IANS) The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) Saturday objected to what it termed 'cruelty and mistreatment' of animals on the reality show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi-4', hosted by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.

FIAPO shot off a letter to Naresh Chahal, director (finance) of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), on how the show, aired on Colors TV, has been airing stunts involving leopards, lions, crocodiles and ostriches.

'The show has been depicting cruelty and mistreatment of such animals by teasing them, either physically or with food,' FIAPO co-ordinator Alokparna Sengupta said in its letter.

The FIAPO has also criticised Akshay Kumar.

'Akshay Kumar has been a role model for millions of children and young people. Instead of participating in and promoting such cruel stunts, he should reach out to his audience with a positive message about animals and teach that action is not about taunting or hurting another being, be it human or non-human,' Sengupta said.

He pointed out that as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, any person desirous of training or exhibiting a performing animal has to apply for registration to the prescribed authority and cannot exhibit or train any animal as a performing animal without the registration. Also, performances by lions, tigers, leopards, monkeys and bears is prohibited.

According to FIAPO, shows like 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' exploit animals by shooting in countries that do not have progressive laws to protect animals.

'Since we do not allow this type of mistreatment to take place in our country, we should not allow it to take place on our airwaves. We request you to issue directions to the producers of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' to refrain from showing such stunts,' Sengupta urged the BCCC.