Bull fights can fetch good revenue for many farmers: Laxmikant Parsekar

Panaji, Sept 23: Showing complete support for bull fights in the state, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the sport can be promoted as a major tourist attraction if brought under the ambit of law and thus can help several farmers to eke out a living.

"If bull fights (dhirio) are brought within proper purview of law, it can be a tourist attraction. It can fetch good revenue for the farmers," Parsekar told reporters on Wednesday.

The Chief minister has been accused of favouring bull fights which took place in his constituency last Sunday. Parsekar denied that he had patronised bull fights but conceded that it is a tradition in his constituency to hold such fights during Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

"Bull fights have always been traditional sports. Due to certain legalities, it ran into trouble. But the traditions cannot die away. We had discussed this issue on the floor of the House and a committee has been formed. I am waiting for the report from the committee," Parsekar said.

Parsekar said the aim is to ensure that we hold bull fights without committing cruelty on the animals. He said that several bull owners have been taking care of the animals without committing any cruelty to them.

They are kept in a hygienic environment. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in July 2011 had banned use of bulls as a performing animal. Bull fights were banned by the Bombay High Court in 1996.

PTI