Politicians encourage Dhiryo
Rupesh
Samant (PTI)
13 August 2007
Goa's traditional bullfights,
which have been banned by the High court, are resurfacing in the coastal state
with active political patronage, animal activitsts alleged.
"Leading
politicians and influential people are patronising this game. Authorities don't
dare to act although organising bullfights amounts to contempt of the court,"
Lynn De Souza, Chairman, Goa Society Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals (GSPCA),
told PTI.
The GSPCA had petitioned High court in 1997 following which the
court had banned bullfights in Goa.
In what started as a traditional game
during festivals, the bullfights took a ugly turn when it turned into a betting
game with stakes being placed on the fighting bulls.
"As politicians
are backing it, the police is also reluctant to act against the bullfight organisers,"
De Souza said.
The affidavit filed in the High court by State Chief Secretary
last November had stated that five cases of bullfights were registered with the
police and they are investigated.
Demanding stern action against organisers
of bullfights, the animal lovers point out severe cruelty towards animal during
the fights.
Arrest of three persons last weekend for a bullfight which witnessed
a bull succumbing to the injuries inflicted during the fight, has sparked a media
debate on the issue.
All major newspapers in the state highlighted the event
with a photograph showing police presence during the bullfights.
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