Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a decisive move to clamp down on the age-old but outlawed practice of bullfights, popularly known as Dhirios, the Goa government has made it mandatory for all bull owners in the state to microchip and register their animals.
The directive, issued by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, follows a uniform order from the district collectors of North and South Goa, after concerns over the persistence of illegal bullfights despite a High Court ban dating back to 1996.
According to the notification, all bull owners—including those with buffalo bulls—must microchip and register their animals with the area veterinary officers within one month of the order’s publication in the official gazette. Police inspectors have been tasked with ensuring compliance within their jurisdictions.
Failure to register will invite stern action. Bulls found without microchips or ear tags will be confiscated and shifted to designated gaushalas, while owners will face a fine of ₹50,000—an amount equivalent to the maintenance cost of the bull for three months. Authorities have also clarified that failure to comply will be treated as a willful attempt to indulge in illegal bullfights.
The crackdown comes in response to a contempt petition filed by People for Animals, Goa, highlighting continued violations of the ban on animal fights. The High Court, while outlawing bullfights in 1996 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, had directed the state to take strict measures to prevent their resurgence.
The government hopes that the compulsory microchipping and registration drive will help track and identify bulls, thereby preventing their use in Dhirios.
