North Goa Collector Forms Special Committees to Crack Down on Bullfighting

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: The North Goa District Administration has taken decisive steps to curb illegal bullfighting (dhirio) by constituting special committees across police station areas, as directed by the High Court. The order, issued by North Goa Collector and District Magistrate Ankit Yadav, IAS, follows the directives of Writ Petition No. 347 of 1996 and Contempt Petition No. 10 of 2021, which call for strict enforcement of the bullfighting ban in the state.

The newly formed committees will comprise the local Mamlatdar, Police Inspector, a Veterinary Officer, and a representative from an animal welfare organization or a trained bull handler. These teams have been tasked with remaining vigilant and taking immediate action in case of any reported or ongoing bullfight, particularly in areas identified as high-risk.

For now, two committees have been officially notified—under Agassaim and Mandrem police stations.

Committee Details:

•Agassaim Police Station:

•Mamlatdar: Jt. Mamlatdar – I, Tiswadi (📞 7798490861)

•Police Officer: Inspector Agassaim (📞 7875756023)

•Veterinary Officer: Dr. Priya Dalal, Tonca (📞 9877182421)

•Animal Welfare Contact: Hanuman Gaws (📞 8668413445)

•Mandrem Police Station:

•Mamlatdar: Jt. Mamlatdar – I, Pernem (📞 9657017127)

•Police Officer: Inspector Pernem (📞 7030949351)

•Veterinary Officer: Dr. Elette da Gama, Mandrem (📞 9607918129)

•Animal Welfare Contact: Swti Shilkar (📞 9423061537)

The order emphasizes the importance of coordination between all officials involved, especially in the absence of designated officers. In such cases, link officers are to be appointed to ensure uninterrupted vigilance and enforcement.

“The committees shall remain alert and responsible for taking necessary and immediate actions during any reported or ongoing bullfight incident,” the order states. All members have been instructed to maintain readiness at all times and ensure timely and coordinated response to violations.

Though banned in Goa, bullfighting continues to take place covertly in parts of the state. The formation of these rapid response committees is part of the government’s renewed push to end the cruel practice and ensure compliance with court rulings.

More committees across North Goa are expected to be notified in the coming days.