Twist in the tail

The trip to Fujairah might not be such a bad idea after all

| DECEMBER 17, 2015, 12:00 AM IST

Is there some logic to the decision of the House Committee on bull fights to pay a visit to Fujairah, UAE or is just another excuse for a government sponsored junket? The jury is still out on this one, but there is something interesting about bullfights held in the West-Asian nation. Maybe even something similar. And it is perhaps, an element of commonality that might have prompted the committee to opt for a visit. A visit that could make the difference between legalising bullfights as demanded by a vast number of people and opposed by many, as well.

The origin of bullfights in Fujairah is disputed with one quarter claiming that the sport was introduced in the country by the Portuguese who captured parts of the Arabian peninsula in the 16th century, while others say it is an Arab tradition which existed long before the Portuguese arrived.

Pictures suggest that the bulls used in the fight are no different from the variety in India and one would be hard pressed to tell the difference. But it is the rules or tradition that makes the bullfights there seem less cruel. Reports suggest that the fights last a few minutes and the bull that walks away is declared the loser. If the bulls are locked for two long a draw is declared and the owners separate them. The one that butts more often is declared the winner. Of course cuts and bruises do take place, but public opinion is generally against prolonged fights that cause needless harm to the bull. Fuijarah is not Spain where a matador slays the bull.

On the face of it the bullfights in Fujairah seem less cruel than those organised illegally in the State. But reports could be deceptive and only a more detailed study could shed light on how this sport is conducted in the UAE. So, there is some logic to the suggestion made by the House Committee and one need not dismiss it as an act of ‘utter madness’ which will make Goa poorer by a few lakhs of rupees. It would have been ridiculous to visit Spain, but Fujairah offers hope to bullfight aficionados.

The ban on bullfights is based on the principle that it is harmful to the animal. But what if rules could be framed to ensure minimum harm or no harm at all? Boxing is also a bloody sport, but rules are in place to ensure that excessive harm is not done to the participant. Of course, in boxing the player enter of their own free will, unlike bullfights where animals are quite literally made to fight.

Bull fighting is a popular sport in tGoa and there is a strong demand to rescind the law banning it. But in order to do so, the government will have to put up a strong case to show that harm to the animal is minimum. The effort of the House Committee must aim at studying bullfights in Fuijairah and should not descend into a free trip for all and sundry. Simply put, if the committee is really serious about studying bullfights then the visiting team must not be packed with politicians and friends. It should include vets from the Animal Husbandry Department, who are in a better position to make judgements on harm sustained by animals. The trip might be worthwhile if the size of the team is small and expenses are kept low. In conclusion, there might be something to learn from Fujairah, after all.

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