Update! India Bans The Selling Of Cows, Buffalo, and Camels For Slaughter

India Today 

Chaos erupted in India following Friday’s announcement that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled to impose a federal ban on the sale and purchase of livestock including cows, buffalo, and camels at animal markets.

Criticized by opponents as an attack on “the essence of India” the tightened restrictions led to some dangerous demonstrations over the weekend, as well as fierce protests from states fearing massive job loss.

India Times

Horrifically, according to multiple news outlets including The Guardian, members of India’s Youth Congress party violently slaughtered a calf in public during one of many “beef festivals” that were held in the state of Kerala.

While cows are considered sacred by Hindus, and their slaughter was already banned in most Indian states, Kerala remained among a handful of regions that believed beef to be a delicacy and allowed the slaughter and consumption of the animals.

India Times

Cases of cow vigilantes attacking transporters en route to slaughterhouses have been steadily increasing since the prime minister, Narendra Modi, ran for office in 2014 on a platform of banning livestock slaughter nationally.

Yesterday, according to the Guardian, fresh footage emerged of another alleged vigilante attack on cattle traders, “one of a spate of assaults and at least 10 killings of Indians accused of consuming or transporting beef since 2015.”

The attack followed last month’s beating to death of a Muslim dairy farmer by a mob after cows were discovered in his truck.

Animals may still be privately purchased for consumption in a few states where their slaughter is legal, but industry leaders estimate that approximately 90% of the trade takes place through animal markets.

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Subsequently, the leather industry will also be affected.

CTV reported this morning that Indian exporters were “scrambling” to assure global clients such as Zara and Giorgio Armani that they would receive their shipment despite the government crackdown.

India is reportedly among the top producers of footwear and leather garments and sold $13 billion worth of goods last year.

WAN supports the banning of animals for slaughter everywhere. Not eating meat or purchasing leather goods are just some of the many ways that you can help make a difference wherever you live around the world.

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