Videos of the handler hitting the animals have gone viral.

Lawyers for Animal Rights spokesman Rajesh Nagarajan said these associations and committees must also ensure that such incidents are not repeated and stop the practice altogether.

“There is no need to subject these poor animals to such harsh treatment when there are plenty of other means of moving the chariot around,” he told FMT.

“The usage of animals to pull chariots that weigh tons must cease immediately.”

A video of two bulls struggling to pull a chariot during the Chitra Pournami festival in Teluk Intan on Friday night has gone viral on social media.

The bull handler was also seen hitting the bulls when trying to manoeuvre them and he was also heard being told to “hit it till it dies”.

Rajesh said he was left “horrified and speechless” and could not comprehend why the animals were being flayed in public at a religious event.

“The Hindu religion is a peaceful religion and this practice must cease to ensure that the name of Hinduism is not sullied,” he added.

He said he had lodged a police report against the handler yesterday, and called for the authorities to investigate the man under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 for cruelty.

Rajesh also suggested that staff from the veterinary services department (DVS) be present at any event that involves animals to ensure they are not mistreated.