This is copy of letter I received from Humane Society International. It is a petition against the biggest religious animal slaughter festival in the world in Nepal. Please read it and join the protest to try and stop this horror show. It is shameful to humanity.
Dear James,
Next month, the Gadhimai Festival will take place at a temple in southern Nepal. The two-day event happens every five years – and it’s the world’s largest sacrifice of animals.
In just weeks, more than 500,000 water buffalo, pigs, goats, chickens, pigeons and even mice will be slaughtered en masse by inexperienced people – tortured, beaten and in some cases, beheaded with all manner of weapons, causing a slow, painful death. The goal: pleasing Gadhimai, the goddess of power.
Humane Society International is working urgently with the Nepalese and Indian governments to reduce the number of animals killed and ultimately, to make the event violence-free, but we need your help.
Gadhimai has become infamous, and it tarnishes Nepal’s international reputation. Please contact Nepal’s prime minster now to tell him that a bloodbath is nothing to celebrate and that you are horrified by this pointless massacre.
It’s estimated that more than 70 percent of the animals involved are imported from India. To stem the tide, HSI helped secure requests from India’s Home Ministry to its states to prevent such border crossings during the festival period. We’ve also met with key politicians and mobilized religious leaders to raise public awareness, and we’re seeking intervention from the country’s Supreme Court.
Now, together we need to pressure the Nepalese government as well. Proper enforcement of local quarantine laws will help to reduce the number of animals slaughtered, improve welfare during transport and decrease the chance of spreading diseases. We’ve partnered with the Animal Welfare Network of Nepal – torchbearer of this campaign - and we’re making progress. But we need support from animal advocates around the world to ensure that the authorities cooperate fully.
Thank you for all that you do for animals.
Sincerely,
Andrew Rowan
President and CEO
Humane Society International
President and CEO
Humane Society International
