Concerns about the efficacy of India's animal welfare regulations have been prompted by the widespread acceptance of "bali," or animal sacrifices, as part of religious ritual or ancient tradition. Greater sensitization is required of a culture that, despite widespread condemnation, nevertheless uses animal sacrifices as a form of religious worship. The ritualistic slaughter of animals in public places promotes brutality and gives a bad impression of Indian culture. Under the current conditions, our legislative and judicial branches have taken on the monumental task of eliminating long-standing societal ills like animal sacrifice. This article focuses on the ubiquity of animal sacrifice, the legal framework around ritual sacrifice, and the potential of nonlethal alternatives.

Sacrifice, bali, legislature, religion