After the much publicised case of Shambo the bull, another bovine controversy has erupted between sections of the Hindu community and the establishment.

A large number of Hindus protested outside Parliament earlier this month, to express anger and dismay at the killing of a cow by the RSPCA at the well known Bhaktivedanta Manor temple premises in Watford, belonging to the Hare Krishna movement.

Gangotri, a cow who had sustained an injury after a mating accident, was put down by a lethal injection by an RSPCA vet while the devotees and visitors were praying, on the 13th December 2007.

At the protest, Hindus held placards saying "RSPCA - suited and booted murderers" and "while we pray the RSPCA slay". This is the second such protest which has taken place on this issue, the first of which took place at the RSPCA offices.

The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was alerted to the case of Gangotri, and after sending representatives to the temple decided that she was in pain and should be put down immediately. However representatives of Bhaktivedanta Manor said that two independent vets who had examined Gangotri were of the view that she should be kept alive.

The temple monks charged the RSPCA with resorting to underhand and insensitive methods, by killing the cow without notification, while they were meant to be engaging in dialogue with the temple administration, that too while afternoon prayers were taking place.

Hindu community leaders have further charged the government with not treating Hindus with the same respect as other faith groups, citing the restraint placed upon the RSPCA in interfering with the Kosher and Halal methods of slaughter for Jewish and Muslim communities, while failing to make provision to allow Hindus to care independently for animals in their care.

Editor’s comment: This case is different to that of Shambo, who possibly could have posed a risk to other creatures, as being a carrier of bovine TB. On the other hand, Ganghotri couldn’t have possible harmed any person or creature. In the Hindu view, all efforts should be made to preserve life before resorting to ending life altogether. We are surprised that an organization such as the RSPCA, which is supposed to prevent cruelty to animals, cannot appreciate that, especially when the animal was receiving genuine heartfelt care. At any rate, the RSPCA have bitten off more than they can chew; the Hare Krishna movement are politically organized and resilient on issues such as this, and it is likely that they will not let the RSPCA rest for a long time to come.

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