Jaipur (27th June, 16) :In the most unabashed and radical revelation of the facts about the state’s treatment of its holy cow, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) released an investigative report today, which shows the inhumane and torturous conditions in which cattle are kept in dairies across the state for milk production.
The report was released to statewide media on Monday by Dr. D.R. Mehta, Founder Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti(BMVSS) and a Trustee of FIAPO and by Mrs. Timmie Kumar, Ambassador, FIAPO.
FIAPO’s investigation in 49 dairies across four cities of Rajasthan revealed the indiscriminate use of banned and illegal drugs such as Oxytocin for increasing and releasing unnatural quantities of milk; lack of basic infrastructure, food and veterinary care for cattle as well as illegal sale of calves for slaughter.
It further reported that only 57% of cattle owners call for veterinary assistance only in the event of a fall in production of milk, and not for addressing any animal health concerns like wounds, , fractures or infections. A staggering 87% of cattle are kept tied all the time in unhealthy and unhygienic conditions in a dairy, covered in their own excreta, and often suffering from injuries and fractures. These findings are in outright violation of existent laws, guidelines and rules meant for the protection of animal interests.
Says Timmie Kumar, “Rajasthan is a prosperous state and we have always been shown images of happy cows on dairy products. But going by the facts revealed from our investigation that image is nothing but a façade to a lifetime of abuse and exploitation. As citizens of Vibrant Rajasthan, we really need to improve our treatment of the cattle to at least be acceptable and humane”.
D.R Mehta appealed to the government to take immediate action. “This calls for an urgent and strict implementation of the existing laws of animal welfare and addition of better rules in areas that are not covered by the existing laws. We have formulated a Dairy Code, which should be used as the guiding document to impose minimum standards for humane treatment of dairy cattle. The inclusion of dairy businesses as major food production establishments and their regulation under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 will also improve the standards used for the process of milking. Our report and letter has been shared with the Ministry of Agriculture with an appeal to act immediately to take action against dairies violating laws and ensure minimum standards of welfare among cattle”
