PANAJI: Over 650 suggestions and objections from the State and outside have been received by the House Committee on bull-fights, mostly opposing the banned sport.
Of the 600 suggestions, 165 have come from stakeholders in the State while nearly 500 activists and others have responded via post from states like Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Sources in the Assembly have revealed that most of them are not in favour bull-fights.
Nearly 68 suggestions or objections were received on the last day ie December 11.
Speaking to The Goan, House Committee Chairman and St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh said these suggestions would be compiled and the committee would go through each and every suggestion.
“We have received suggestions not only from Goa, but states like Delhi, Haryana and others. We will go through all these and the same would be considered when we prepare the final report. Additionally, if we find that any of these are very critical, we will call them for hearing,” informed Wagh.
The House Committee is also likely to visit states like Tamil Nadu where bull-fights are held, to take stock of how they are organised. The committee also plans to hold public meetings in prominent villages where bull-fights are popular.
Reacting to the demands by activists for change in law, Wagh said, “Change in law is not in our agenda at all. Our focus is very clear. We are looking at a solution on bull-fights without violating the provisions of law.”
He also pointed out that animal welfare was a central subject and said, “Presently we are following the central law as the state does not have a separate law. But, if the State wants, it can definitely look at making a new law. The main issue here is cruelty to animals.”
The committee is also studying various acts like Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Animal Welfare Act, among others. It has also decided to study the Supreme Court verdict on bull-fights and all the relevant information available on bull-fights.
“We are studying all the angles of bull-fights and it will be a scientific study on bull-fights without prejudice”, said Wagh.
“Now machines have replaced bulls as regards agricultural activities are concerned. Then why will farmers be interested in raising the bulls”, he questioned.
The first meeting of the he House Committee on November 16 chaired by Vishnu Wagh was attended by Velim MLA Benjamin Silva, Benaulim MLA Caetano Silva and Tivim MLA Kiran Kandolkar. The committee is likely to submit its report by first week of March.
Additionally, the committee will also visit some villages in the State to conduct a study on the conditions in which the bulls are kept, what are the health issues they face and how they are treated, what is the feed given to them, etc.
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TOTAL RESPONSES: Over 600
FROM GOA: 165 Expressions
OTHER STATES: Nearly 500
ON LAST DAY: 68 OPINIONS
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We have received suggestions not only from Goa, but states like Delhi, Haryana and others. We will go through all these and the same would be considered when we prepare the final report
- Vishnu Wagh, House Committee Chairman
