MAPUSA
In a fresh attempt to crack down on illegal bullfights, popularly known as dhirios, the State government has issued a notification making it mandatory for all bull owners in the State to microchip and register their animals.
The move follows a series of directions from the High Court of Bombay at Goa, which in 1996 had declared bullfights to be in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and therefore illegal.
The court had also directed authorities to take immediate steps to ban all forms of animal fights.
Despite the ban, dhirios have continued to be organised across Goa, prompting People for Animals, Goa to file a contempt petition in 2021 against the government.
Pursuant to the court’s observations in that case, the State framed an action plan to curb the practice, which now includes compulsory microchipping of bulls.
According to the new notification, all bull owners, including those with buffalo bulls, must get their animals microchipped and registered with the Area Veterinary Officer within one month from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.
Police Inspectors in whose jurisdiction the bull is housed will ensure compliance and registration without delay while owners who fail to microchip their bulls within the deadline will be presumed to be abstaining with the intention of indulging in illegal bullfights.
Any unregistered or unchipped bull will be confiscated and sent to a designated Gaushala under the supervision of the local veterinary officer.
A fine of Rs 50,000 will be imposed on violators – an amount equivalent to the cost of maintaining a bull at a Gaushala for three months.
Officials said microchipping will allow the government to maintain a database of bulls in the State and prevent their use in clandestine fights.
Both the North and South Goa Collectors had earlier recommended the move in meetings held on July 8 and 9.
