Tributes pour in for Bully Boy

It's not often that you see tributes pouring in for a bull, but when Bully Boy, one of the most celebrated Kangeyam bulls, breathed its last on Sunday, proud fans of the bull were shattered.
While some called him an icon among bulls, many others called Bully Boy an inspiration for many to rear native breeds. "Prem A, a fan of the bull says, "Bully Boy was the true symbol of native breed and the most viewed bull. His legacy will live long." Some went on to call it a bull that was reared for a noble reason- to increase the number of native breeds.

Born in 1998 at Palayakottai in Erode district, the bull was brought to the Senapathy Kangeyam Cattle Research Foundation (SKCRF) by the organization's managing trustee Karthikeya Sivasenapathy. It soon became his favourite bull. Sabariprakash Mahalingam, trustee of the foundation, reminisces, "As soon as Karthikeya Sivasenapathy Sir laid his eyes on the bull, he was impressed. Bully Boy was a perfect stud bull and he began his service right in 2001. Stud bulls are retained for breeding and Bully Boy was quite active from the age of 3. He had a perfect barrel and chest, double hump and a shining skin. Even as a calf, he was slightly more aggressive than the other bulls in the farm. For instance, if you would let him graze near a cow, he would try to overpower her. He would constantly try to prove that he was the dominant one. He would constantly dig the soil using feet and send dirt flying around with its horn to show his assertiveness."

Though stud bulls are not really allowed to take part in games, Bully Boy stood apart. "Stud bulls usually do not take part in Jallikattu or rekla race, but Bully Boy had had his tryst with both. He did his service (mating) for a long time and was quite active until he died. The lifespan of an average bull is around 18 years but Bully Boy outdid that number, too. He was one of the most photographed bulls as well."

Hiphop Tamizha Adhi who had spent some time with the bull reminisces, "I had gone to Senapathy Kangeyam Cattle Research Foundation (SKCRF) to learn about the native livestock. The first time I visited the place, the managing trustee of SKCRF, Karthikeyan Sivasenapathy took me to meet the Bully Boy. I can still remember the majestic bull and he was an epic. Now, every time I see an Indicus bull of the Indus Valley Civilisation, Bully Boy flashes in my mind. One look at him will give everyone a strong reason to preserve the Kangeyam breed. I deeply mourn the loss."

The foundation is now planning to erect a memorial for one of the most pure breeds of Kangeyam bull. "We buried him on Sunday and gave him a fitting tribute. We are planning to erect a memorial at Kuttapalayam. We will be spreading awareness of Kangeyam bulls at the memorial and will also pay tribute to Bully Boy."