Gaushalas Mistreating Cows Just Like Dairy Farms Do, Says Report

Contrary to popular belief, a report by FIAPO reveals that cows are no better off in gaushalas than in dairy farms.

In a first-of-its kind study, ‘Gau Gaatha’, an investigation of gaushalas, conducted by Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisation (FIAPO) has revealed that animals are confined to small spaces, have poor veterinary care and are put through continuous breeding in gaushalas, which operate like dairy farms.

The investigation covered 179 gaushalas in 13 states and two union territories.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

• 66 percent of gaushalas separated cows from their calves. According to the report, this is because 74 percent of gaushalas have milk as their primary source of income.
• 76 percent of gaushalas kept their animals tied and in most cases, the rope is less than a metre long which causes discomfort to the animal. The report also reveals that the animals are kept tied up most of the time.
• 80 percent of the gaushalas had no resident doctors. Though all the shelters were washed, but not with mosquito repellents.
• 86 percent of cow shelters practiced breeding of their animals but none of them maintained a record of their pregnancies.
• The report also reveals that 50 percent of the gaushalas didn’t use cow byproducts like urine and cow dung in any form.
• About 25 percent of them left the fooder in troughs all day, which leaves it open to contamination.
• Calves were given very little care in all the gaushalas.

Speaking to The Times of India, Varda Mehrotra, Executive Director, FIAPO said, “Historically, most Indians have held a compassionate view to towards bovines, setting up gaushalas for their care, and enacting laws for their protection. However, it has become clear from our investigation that rhetoric and reality continue to be divorced and most gaushalas provide little better care than dairies, employing similarly cruel practices.”

The report calls for immediate action and stricter implementation of laws, by the state and the central government, for the protection of animals in these gaushalas.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

• Gaushalas should be registered to keep track of animals.
• Atleast one certified doctor should visit the shelter every day for at least 2 hours.
• Separating mothers from calves should not be encouraged in gaushalas.
• Breeding should be discouraged in gaushalas.
• Tethering shouldn’t be practiced and the animals should be allowed to roam freely.

(With inputs from The Times of India)