The Supreme Court on May 7, 2014 passed a landmark judgement in favour of PETA India and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) saying that Jallikattu, bull races or any other forms of bull fighting would be illegal. PETA campaigned hard against the use of animals for entertainment purposes. They claimed that the animal is purposely disoriented, their tails stabbed and bitten and are dragged on the ground mercilessly. During races, bulls are often hit with sticks with nail studs. PETA India’s CEO, Poorva Joshipura said, “Provoking bulls to slash and gouge each other to death should be condemned by everyone in a civil society. Bulls have a hard enough life already. We urge the police to put an end to these public spectacles and we urge the public to help by reporting such events.” Various celebrities like Hema Malini and John Abraham have advocated their support for the judgement.
In Spain, bull fighting is bull against man, but in India, two animals are pitted against each other. The absence of barricades makes it dangerous for spectators who gather around to watch. The word about a bull fight is usually spread through SMS or passed on from person to person so as to preserve its secrecy. Heavy betting is a common occurrence at dhirios. The owners use the money they earn to condition their fighters and look after them. Beaches are the most common training field.
In Goa, there are a lot of people who thrive off the sport. Bull fights or dhirios are common in many villages across the state. Making sure to conduct these events in secrecy in the middle of a village, bull owners earn a lot from a single fight.
Goa is vastly divided over the issue with many politicians wanting a reversal in the judgement and to make the sport legal.
History tells us that bull fights used to be advertised in newspapers when it was legal. A van carrying the warrior would pass through the village to show off their prized asset. Announcements would be made on loud speakers and bets would be taken. Politicians used to be invited as chief guests to the events and music would blare loud on speakers. It used to be a lot of entertainment for the people of the state but not so much for the animals. Despite the ban however, today, bull fight still thrives, although with not much fanfare as in yesteryear.
