Unregistered bulls to be seized as govt cracks down on dhirios

NT Reporter Panaji

The state government has directed all bull and buffalo bull owners in Goa to microchip and register their animals within a month to prevent their use in illegal bullfighting, locally called ‘dhirios’.

According to the notification, “All bull owners must get their animals microchipped and registered with their local area veterinary officer within one month of the notification’s publication in the Official Gazette. Appointments are required in advance.”

It further states that

local police inspectors must ensure compliance without delay.

Animals found without microchips or registration after the deadline will be presumed intended for illegal fights, confiscated, and transferred to a cattle shelter. Offenders will face a fine of Rs 50,000, equivalent to the bull’s three-month upkeep in a shelter. The fine will be imposed by the local police inspector.

The move comes after a series of court rulings, including a judgment by the High Court of Bombay at Goa in writ petition No. 347 of 1996, which declared bullfighting illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and directed authorities to ban all forms of animal fights.

People for Animals had later petitioned the court against the Goa government for failing to curb the practice, prompting the court to stress stricter enforcement.

Earlier, North Goa Magistrate Ankit Yadav, IAS, formed a Bullfight Response Committee, comprising the mamlatdar, police officers, veterinary officers, and bull handlers, tasked with staying alert in areas prone to bullfighting and responding immediately to reports of ongoing ‘dhirios’.