Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations
FIAPO
New Delhi
On the occasion of the march to protest the commissioning of the additional slaughterhouses in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection organisations has asked the dairy industry to take equal liability for slaughter of cows, buffalo and their progeny and asked consumers to stop consumption of dairy products as a start, if any cows are to be saved.
Cows raised for milk are typically only about 6 or 7 years old when they are sent to slaughter. They are forced to walk for days without any food or water to states where they can legally be killed. Many collapse from exhaustion and are forced to their feet by cattle drivers who rub red chilli peppers in their eyes or twist and break their tails. Cattle are loaded on and off trucks without ramps, causing injuries such as broken pelvises, legs, ribs and horns. As many as half the animals will already be dead by the time they arrive at the abattoir. Many male calves that are of no commercial value to the dairy industry are killed for their skins.
"Dairy products are linked to heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer in human beings and mean a sad life for cows - and usually death for their calves", says FIAPO’s convener Arpan Sharma. "We urge everyone to do animals and themselves a big favour and leave cows' milk to be consumed by those for whom it was intended - baby cows."
“Cattle - who were once revered partners in our culture - now endure dreadful lives and deaths”, says FIAPO’s coordinator Alokparna. “Vegetables, dals, soya and nuts are all great sources of protein and calcium. There is really no excuse to continue abusing cows when you can improve your health and help animals and the environment simply by adopting a vegan diet.”
If people are truly concerned about the welfare of cows, they should stop the consumption of dairy products as a start, if any cows are to be saved.