PANAJI: After facing a contempt notice from the High Court, the Goa government has made it mandatory for all bull owners in the state to microchip and register their animals within one month, in a bid to clamp down on illegal bullfights (dhirios).
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has issued a notification in this regard, wherein it has warned to impose a fine of Rs 50k on those who fail to register or microchip their animals. Such bulls will be confiscated and sent to Gaushalas.
Last week, the High Court of Bombay at Goa, while hearing a contempt petition filed by activist Radhakrishna Salgaonkar, directed the government to file a affidavit within four weeks listing out the steps it has takem to curb bull fights.
The petition alleged that despite the 1996 High Court judgment outlawing bullfights under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1968, dhirios continue to be organised across Goa.
Through the notification, Director Veena Kumar said that the police inspectors must ensure compliance in their respective jurisdictions.
"Bulls found without registration or microchipping will be confiscated and shifted to designated gaushalas. Offenders will also face a penalty of Rs 50,000, equivalent to the three-month upkeep cost of the animal at the shelter," the notification stated.
The Directorate said that the failure to register bulls will be treated as a deliberate attempt to indulge in illegal bullfights.
