Karnataka: Police disallow bull taming in Haveri district

HAVERI: The police in Haveri district have disallowed bull-taming events because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Superintendent of police Hanumantaraya also said that injuries during the bull-taming game, called Hori Bedarisuva Sparde, were a problem, apart from the crowds of several thousand that these events attracted.
Bull-taming, an ancient rural game in Karnataka that is similar to Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, has ardent enthusiasts.The bull-taming events are held from after Diwali to Makar Sankranti.
More than 20 enthusiasts were injured during a bull-taming game recently held in Basapur.
The district police chief instructed all police stations not to allow bull-taming organisers to hold events in their respective jurisdictions. He said that check posts should be set up surrounding a village so that goods vehicles carrying bulls can b stopped. "Our staff should prevent them from preparing for the events and prevent campaigns on social media as well as banners and buntings in public places," he said.
"Currently, Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are in force, so we should avoid gathering thousands of people. But in a bull-taming event, a minimum of 5,000 people gather and this way the virus transmits easily. Moreover, the game is illegal because it is a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1990," he said.
"Many accidents occur, causing death and injuries. So, organisers should understand the situation and not organise such life-threatening sports anywhere in the district," Hanumantaraya said.
The district police chief said that officials will meet bull-taming event organisers, bull owners and enthusiasts soon. Deputy commissioner Sanjay Shettennavar and the SP would lead the meeting. "We will appeal to them and explain the legal consequences at the meeting. We hope they have also understood our concern," he said.
Bull-taming enthusiasts and bull owners are unhappy with the decision. The Karnataka government has permitted Kambala, a traditional game, in Mangaluru by an ordinance. Why have authorities taken this decision against bull-taming, one of them asked.