Governor urged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22 2026:
Following reports about alleged trade of pony meat, People For Animals (PFA), Manipur has submitted a representation to Governor Kumar Bhalla with an urgent appeal for promulgation of an ordinance to ban slaughter, sale and consumption of pony/horse in Manipur.
Expressing deep concern over alleged horse/pony theft and suspected sale of horse meat in some parts of the State, PFA has requested the Governor to undertake measures to completely prohibit the slaughter, sale, transport, trade and consumption of pony/horse meat.
It also called upon Governor Bhalla to provide strict penalties and strong enforcement mechanisms against violation of these prohibitions.
As a sacred heritage animal of the State, it further appealed for strengthened conservation and protection of the Manipuri Pony.
PFA also pointed out that the reported theft and trade activities may attract violations under existing laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 .
Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, strong public sentiment arising from these reports and considering how the pony is inseparably linked with Manipur's cultural heritage, indigenous values and the world-famous polo, PFA has urged the Governor to enforce the prohibition.




