Govt makes microchipping of bulls mandatory to curb dhirio

Panaji: State govt has made it mandatory for all bull owners to microchip and register their animals within a month, a move aimed at aiding the authorities to track and identify animals involved in bullfights, locally known as dhirio.

Govt’s action follows latest directives from the Bombay high court.Two weeks ago, in a contempt petition before the high court, govt’s alleged ineffectiveness in curbing bullfights as well non-compliance with earlier orders was highlighted. The advocate general, Devidas Pangam, then assured the judges of immediate action to stop dhirio.On Monday, when the matter was heard again, govt was given four weeks to reply to the petitioner’s allegations.

The petitioner submitted evidence to substantiate that banned bullfights regularly take place while police look the other way.According to the govt notification issued on Wednesday, owners who fail to comply with the microchipping and registration requirement, will be presumed to be involved in bullfighting. In such cases, their bulls will be confiscated and relocated to designated cow shelters.A fine of Rs 50,000 will also be levied. The fine is intended to cover the initial maintenance costs of the bull for three months at the cow shelter.

The bull owners must complete the registration process within a month of the notification. Local police inspectors are tasked with ensuring compliance, particularly making sure that owners promptly register their bulls and monitor the process within their jurisdictions.During a discussion in the assembly early this month, legislators across party lines demanded the legalisation of bullfighting, prompting chief minister Pramod Sawant to tell the House that govt will consider a law to legalise the traditional bullfight.