Dear Editor,
I write with deep concern over reports of cows dying during transportation from Brazil to Lethem and Ebini ultimately destined to a farm on the Soesdyke Highway probably to the farm of a ranking government official. The cows were transported in an inhumane way. There were about 300, almost all pregnant heifers. They were overpacked in trucks. They appeared malnourished. They were neglected. For days, they had no feed or water. Many died. Some gave birth and both mother and calf died. It is not known how many died. Reports stated at least 28 died; the number may be larger. Some were pregnant heifers, suggesting two cows died when a pregnant one died from transportation negligence. If these reports are accurate, they raise serious questions about the welfare and treatment of cows that hold profound religious significance for Hindus as well as animal rights activists and people in general. Animal rights activists were not vociferous. Hindu leaders were quiet. Priests also remained silent. The Vice president was also quiet.
Within Hinduism, the cow has long been revered as a symbol of motherhood, compassion, selflessness, and the sanctity of life. The cow gives milk nourishing life and its feces are used as manure for cultivation. Hindus revere the cow and don’t consume beef. Hindus speak passionately about protecting cows and honoring them as sacred. It is therefore difficult to understand the apparent lack of public statements from Hindu religious leaders and pandits in particular regarding these reported deaths. Are they worried they won’t get government contracts and land concessions or their children will be victimized. And how about other religious leaders? Imams and priests — why silent? Don’t they have moral principles for animal welfare? Why is Azruddin, a Muslim, speaking out against abuse of cows and Hindu leaders are quiet? Silence is seen as inconsistency or a failure to uphold Hindu values about cows. Shane on Hindu leaders and Hindu rights activists.
Hindu leadership carries not only the responsibility of preserving rituals and traditions but also of speaking out when the values those traditions represent appear to be compromised. If cows are suffering or dying because of inadequate transport conditions, of neglect and lack of feed and water for them, then surely compassion demands a response from everyone, Hindus and non-Hindus. One expects Hindu leaders like Ravi Dev, Swami Aksharananda, Baytoram Ramharack, Pt Ravi, Pt Haresh, Pt Dinesh, Pt Balbidar, other Pandits, Komal Samaroo, Komal Singh, Vishnu Bisram, Vishnu Bandhu, heads of organizations, Members of Parliament like Vindya Persaud, Anil Nandlall, Vikas Ramkissoon, Charles Ramson, Ganesh Mahipal, Jagdeo, other Hindus, to speak up. Praise to Pt Ubraj, the lone courageous leader of Hindus, for speaking out against abuse of cows. The silence of others risks creating the impression that reverence for the cow is expressed only in words and ceremonies, rather than through advocacy for the humane treatment of living animals.
This is not a call to assign blame before all the facts are known. Rather, it is an appeal for moral leadership. Hindu organizations and pandits could encourage proper enforcement of animal welfare standards, call for transparent investigation into this reported incident, and work with authorities and those involved in livestock transport to ensure that unnecessary suffering is prevented.
Compassion (ahimsa) is among the highest ideals of Hindu philosophy. If the cow is indeed sacred, then concern for its welfare should extend beyond temples and festivals to every stage of its life, including transportation. Those cows and their calves suffered. The lord will make the perpetrators of their suffering to account in His own way. In the meanwhile, the cows should be cared for. There must be an investigation into the importation of cattle from Roraima State known for its corruption and linkage with corrupt PPP government officials. Who imported the cattle and who were they destined to? Did the state pay for them? Why wasn’t it disclosed?
I hope our religious leaders, Hindus in particular, will lend their voices to this important issue and demonstrate that the principles of compassion and respect for life of cows and other animals, remain central to faith.
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
