Much to the joy of India’s animal rights community, the government has released four new rules to regulate dog breeders, animal markets, case property animals, and aquariums and pet shops that sell fish.
Animal rights are for all animals, based on their intrinsic value and right to life. Gau Raksha, on the other hand, is an extremely narrow movement characterized by speciesism and sexism, and motivated solely by religious beliefs.
In the wake of Uttar Pradesh’s crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses, and its repercussions, we must disentangle politics and religion from the fates of millions of sentient beings incognizant of such human concepts.
It is an utter shame that India dares call itself a ‘progressive’ nation after ignoring the infliction of such brutal acts on such a noble, simple and pious animal once worshipped in this country.
Thailand’s infamous Tiger Temple, shut down on suspicion of wildlife trafficking last year, is now set to reopen under a new name. Despite the evidence from last year’s raid, the Tiger Temple has been granted a provisional zoo license by the government.
Such are the benefits the cow provides to humanity, that the ancient Hindu scriptures define the cow as the “Mother of all civilizations”. It is the responsibility of all humans to contribute to the mighty task of cattle protection in today’s world.
Islam does allow the consumption of meat and animal products, but it accompanies this with a list of strict conditions on how to treat the animals ethically and prevent their suffering as much as possible. It also does not prohibit veganism or consider it a sin. Thus, everyone has the complete freedom to choose a vegan diet and abstain from eating meat.
In this episode, find out how dogfighting was finally criminalized throughout Mexico; why India’s ban on jallikattu bull wrestling was lifted; what wildlife farming in Nepal, Egypt, and South Africa means for animal welfare and conservation; and more!
Hindu philosophy emphasizes the great importance of the animal kingdom in its temple worship. The interdependence of worship, gods, man and animals is glorified in the spiritual ideals of Hinduism.
We must actively fight for the light, putting forth the blood, sweat, and tears necessary to ensure that the vision of a compassionate future for all creatures is someday brought to fruition, and not swallowed up in the darkness of ignorance, apathy, greed, or sadism.
Christmas underscores the emotive power of the amazing animals with whom we share our world. The birth of Christ is a prime opportunity to remember that Christmas is not just about humanity. Rather, the arrival of the infant Christ promises cosmic, restorative consequences for the whole of creation.
A hush of fear,
Anticipation,
Wonder, hope,
That the light will return
And save us from darkness
And death…