Temple sends foreign breeds to abattoiJatlee

Visakhapatnam: While the Modi government launched a massive campaign to protect cow, the centuries-old Simhachalam Temple is sending thousands of cattle young and old to the slaughter houses. They are also leaving the uncared cows and calves donated by devotees to most pathetic death, citing that they are foreign breed.

Devotees from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and East Godavari district donate calves and cows on auspicious days beginning from April to June every year, a tradition in practice for several years. The centuries-old Goshala used to feed them and take care, treating it as a sacred duty. Subsequently, the officials neglected the Gosala as the number of cattle grew.

In 2012 alone 1,500 calves and cows were donated on Chandanotsav. Though the animal activists warned them that the place was too small and may harm the animals, the officials gave a deaf ear. As a result, more than 150 cows died within two days due to dehydration and malnutrition.

When protests poured in, the Gosala was shifted to Krishnapuram near central jail and 30 acres was allocated. Despite the deaths, the devotees continued to donate the animals. But the officials refused to accept the foreign breed like Jersey and insisted on India breed so that they can survive despite lack of proper care.

“During auspicious days beginning from April to June, devotees bring an average of 1,500 calves of which 90 per cent are foreign breed. The authorities accept only Indian breed and rest or left to their fate,” said Pradeep Nath, founder president of Visakhapatnam Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSCPA).

Devotees who haven’t heard of ban on foreign breeds continue to bring their calves to the temple and leave them to their fate, when rejected. One wonders how the leftover calves are taken care. All were being sent to slaughter houses through the agents, who make good money.

There is an alleged collusion between the slaughter houses and the temple authorities and the priests are aware of it, temple sources said.

Some of the calves offered are already sick, injured, dehydrated and malnourished when they arrive. Malnourishment often leads to deforms and diseases which ultimately lead to death.

However, VSPCA came to the rescue of the dumped calves. The babies are taken care at their shelter and the remaining eligible are being sent to the agency for free distribution to the farmers. The VSPCA has been documenting donation and monitoring through their agents to prevent them from ending up in slaughter houses.

Nath said he had appealed to the temple authorities to join them in distribution of the male calves to the poor farmers in the agency but there has been no response. Temple executive officer K Ramachandra Mohan denied that they were being sent to slaughter houses and justified his stance on accepting only desi breed of cows. “We will follow temple traditions and only accept Indian breed of cows,” he asserted.