Goa CM sees good tourism potential in bull fights

Panaji, Sep 23: Despite the central ban on bulls being used as performing animals, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Prasekar today came out in support of bull fights saying it held great tourism potential and could fetch good revenue to the farmers.

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

Parasekar, who heads the BJP-led Government in the coastal state where tourism is a major source of revenue, has been accused of favouring bull fights which took place in his constituency last Sunday.

He, however, 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.

The Chief Minister said the aim is to ensure that bull fights are held without causing cruelty to the animals. He said that several bull owners have been taking care of the animals without causing 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