Video of bulls struggling to pull Thaipusam chariot goes viral

GEORGE TOWN: A short video clip showing the bulls pulling the Silver Chariot staggering and struggling under the immense weight has marred the religious significance of Thaipusam celebrations in Penang.
The clip, which has since gone viral, alleges animal cruelty with social media comments from netizens calling it inhumane.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof P. Ramasamy, responding to the clip, said animal cruelty should not be condoned.
Ramasamy, who is the Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman, said he pitied the bulls which could be seen staggering when pulling the immense weight of the chariot and the number of people standing inside it.
He said such a practice in the name of tradition cannot be allowed in a society where the rights of animals need to be respected.
"It is not that there are no alternative ways to pull the chariot in this modern era, like using a tractor," said Ramasamy.
"If this is not an abuse of animal rights, then what is it? Can we tolerate this in a civilised society?" he asked.
"I will look into it and ask them to stop it after Thaipusam festival. I will explain further later if they fail to stop it," he told theSun.
The clip captured on Tuesday evening, was believed to have taken place along Jalan Utama showing the two bulls staggering when they wanted to pull the chariot in the presence of devotees lining up at the roadside to offer their prayers to Lord Muruga.
The Silver Chariot was on its journey to Nattukotai Chettiar temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga before this clip was taken.
Ramasamy noted this is a Hindu religious festival and such an incident should not have happened.
"For us, we are using manpower to pull the Golden Chariot, " he said, referring to the other chariot which was making its second public appearance after its maiden debut here last year.
In fact, he said even India has stopped the tradition of using bulls to pull the chariot.
A spokesman for the temple promised to look into the allegation.