GEORGE TOWN: The video of a bull buckling and struggling under the weight of a silver chariot during the Thaipusam chariot procession in Penang on Jan 20 has riled up Malaysians.
The clip, which has since gone viral, shows a black bull on the right slipping and losing its footing and being pulled up by a man.
The bull managed to get up when the yoke was placed on its shoulders and it then pulled the seven-tonne chariot with another bull on the left.
Angry social media users blamed the Veterinary Department for not taking any action over such "cruelty".
Nattukotai Chettiar Temple managing trustee Dr Narayanan said the bull was merely struggling in the initial stage as the animals were getting ready to move.
"It was not really collapsing, but adjusting to the weight when the yoke was placed on it, which is normal.
"We never abuse the bulls, and they are replaced by other pairs along the way," said Dr Narayanan on Tuesday.
State Veterinary Department director Dr Anum Man said her personnel monitored the silver chariot during the procession on Sunday.
"We imposed several rules, such as allowing only two people, including the priest, on the chariot.
"My personnel confirmed there was no torture or cruelty to the bulls and the rules were adhered to," added Dr Anum.-Star
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