It is learnt that the state government has reportedly directed all bull and buffalo bull owners in Goa to microchip and register their animals within a month in order to prevent their use in illegal bullfighting locally called ‘dhirios’. It is pertinent to note that the main purpose to microchip animals is to provide a permanent and reliable method of identification, primarily for reuniting lost or stolen pets with their owners. The government’s latest move reportedly aims to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure accountability by making every bull traceable through microchip. It needs to be noted that pet microchips are not tracking devices and do not work like Global Positioning Devices (GPS). Microchips embedded in the skin of bulls reportedly do not detect bullfighting, as they are used for identification and health monitoring and not for activity detection in a way that could identify a bullfight. Microchips do not contain sensors that can detect physical activities like fighting, running, or charging. Even if the microchip can trace an animal, illegal bullfights can be held in the same locality where the bull is kept in the animal shelter.
