In a rare display of unanimity among members across party lines, the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday made a strong pitch for legalisation of Dhirio (bullfights), calling it an integral part of the state’s cultural and traditional identity. One wonders if this is an election gimmick. Goan culture is full of compassion. Dhirio has several negative impacts, despite the claim of cultural significance. These include animal cruelty, potential for injury to humans, and the encouragement of illegal gambling.
Dhirio is not an innocent annual harvest festival activity anymore, but appears to be happening throughout the year. Some even claim it is a tourist attraction. In fact, the Goan economy gains nothing from dhirios, as no tourists come to Goa to watch bullfights. There are also no statistics whatsoever of people employed in the dhirio business. Despite a clear legal ban, these fights have continued for lack of enforcement. The fighter bull is subjected to immense cruelty. It is made to exercise for 4–6 hours daily. They live a solitary life with no scope for interaction with other cattle. This is what builds both a deep fear and sense of mistrust of the other bull in the fighting arena.
These bulls could be administered steroids to help grow their muscles and also given highly dangerous amphetamines to impair their judgement for self-preservation, and to make them fight longer. Dhirio can in no way be compared to Jallikattu held in Tamil Nadu, which is more of a race.
