Nepal Activists Against Animal Sacrifice

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KATHMANDU, NEPAL (GaeaTimes.com)- The animal rights activists in Nepal are raising their voice against the age old of tradition of animal sacrifice at some of the prominent shrines and temples in the mountain country. Ahead of the auspicious Vijaya Dashami which is a Hindu festival a number of animals are killed in the name of sacrifice. A group of animal right activists staged a play outside the Bhagwati temple at a time when the place was brimming with lots of devotees. The campaign is the brain-work of the Animal Welfare Network Nepal which was set up 5 years back. It seemed that their effort was not futile as around 50 devotees offered pumpkins to the deity instead of animals after the play was staged.

Nepal has an old tradition of offering animal sacrifices to please the gods and the activists have an uphill task ahead. However, Animal Welfare Network Nepal has approached the Prime minister, President as well as the Army to take steps to prevent animal sacrifice. The group not only opposes animal sacrifice at religious events but also aims to prevent cruelty to animals and spots that inflict pain on the animals by any means. The activists will walk together in a march to the famous Dakshinakali temple, where the deposed King of Nepal had slaughtered a number of animals.

The Nepali activists said in an interview that they are not opposed to religious rites but think that the devotees should resort to vegetables and fruits for offering the deity. AWNN has joined hands with Beauty without Cruelty an animal rights group based in India to raise its voice against animal slaughter.