Hubballi: Bull taming has become a common event in several parts of rural areas in North Karnataka. Various youth organisations are continuing to hold the event for more than two months after Deepavali festival in Haveri district, inviting the wrath of animal lovers as Supreme Court has already put a ban on it.
The administration has failed to curb the adventurous event that has taken the lives of many people. These events have turned out to be fatal as youth try to tame the animals after consuming alcohol. Animal lovers also see red over the fact that the bulls are also forced to consume liquor during the event.
Bull taming events are being widely conducted during annual fairs and Deepavali festival in rural parts of North Karnataka. More than hundred bulls with colourful names and attire take part in the competitions. The youth taming the bulls should succeed in tying the coconut around the neck of the bull while taking the bull by its horns. Attractive prizes are won by those who manage to accomplish this task.
Two persons have died and several injured in Koda and Hirekonati villages of Haveri district as the youth enter the competition in an inebriated state. The Supreme Court has banned sporting events including Jallikattu that used to be organised in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest festivities. Still, the event is being widely held in several parts of the region.
“Bull taming sports are being organised everywhere during annual fairs and festivals without bringing it to the notice of the police officials or district administration. Officials have failed to curb the events though people die and suffer serious injuries every year. Action has not been initiated despite appeals made to the officials to stop organising these events”, said animal rights activist Madhuri Devadhar.
However, Haveri Superintendent of Police N Shashikumar said that the police department will not give permission for bull taming events and action will be taken against those who organise these events. “The staging of bull taming events has been brought to our notice during Deepavali festival. Violence was also reported in some cases. The organisers conduct the sporting event by obtaining permission for it in the name of some other rituals. We will take suitable action against it after studying if there are any cruelties on the animals”, he said.
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