KATHMANDU, Dec 11: A dedicated team of animal welfare activists has successfully rescued and saved hundreds of animals from the Nepal-India border, preventing them from being sacrificed at the Gadhimai festival and handing them over to the Indian police.
“These animals, who were about to be subjected to cruel conditions, now have the opportunity to live a better life. The rescued animals have been sent to the animal sanctuary where they will now live safely,” said Sneha Shrestha, a prominent animal welfare activist from Nepal.
The rescued animals were subjected to cruel conditions as they were being transported for the Gadhimai fair, which began on November 16 in Bariyarpur, Maha Gadhimai Municipality, Bara.
The rescue operation was carried out by Sneha’s Care in collaboration with Indian Animal Welfare Associations, the Indian Animal Welfare Board, activists, the Indian Seema Surkchha Bal, and local police. Sneha’s Care has expressed their deep gratitude towards the incredible support of these animal activists for saving so many innocent animals.
Contempt of court case against govt, Gadhimai Trust for animal...
Sneha's Care emphasized additional support from the animal welfare organizations and animal welfare activists joining hands to fight against these kinds of practices that promote animal cruelty.
“We express our gratitude for the overwhelming support from Indian authorities, without which this operation would not have been possible,” said Shrestha. She also pointed out that stronger coordination among animal welfare groups in Nepal could have potentially saved even more lives.
However, the team also expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the Nepali authorities, especially the police administration and Animal Quarantine. Shrestha noted that if there had been more efficient cooperation from Nepal, the rescue efforts for the animals could have been even more successful.
People sacrifice innocent animals as offerings to the goddess to fulfill their vows. In some traditions, sacrificing animals is seen as an act of devotion for god, however, animal activists are continually working to change these practices by saving hundreds of innocent animals.
“These rescued animals, once facing a terrible fate, now have the opportunity to live peacefully in animal sanctuaries, where they will receive care and freedom from fear,” said Shrestha.
