"Animal sacrifice is a heinous crime and it always brings bad luck. It is time it was stopped," Gandhi told Republica.[break]
Her comment coincides with the observation of Chaite Dashain festival in Nepal. Referring to the festival, Gandhi urged Nepali people and the state to support the animal rights campaign in Nepal and to discourage all forms of cruelty against animals.
Coming down upon state-sponsored animal sacrifice, she said, "In the case of Nepal, it is for the Nepal Army to lead the way and for its leadership to show that it is enlightened by refusing to kill animals in the name of religion."
Gandhi has repeatedly called upon Nepali government and the people to respect animal rights. She has consistently supported all animal welfare campaigns in Nepal. She is a politician, noted animal rights activist, environmentalist, former model and widow of Indian politician Sanjay Gandhi, son of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
She has been minister in four governments, and has authored a number of books in the areas of etymology, law and animal welfare. She won elections from Aonla, Uttar Pradesh constituency in Bharatiya Janata Party ticket.
Gandhi has expressed her support to the Nepal campaigners appeal to stop animal sacrifices during festivals like Chaite Dasain and Bisket Jatra.
The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) has appealed to the government and Nepal Army to cancel its public animal sacrifices conducted during Chaite Dasain and Bisket Jatra. The campaigners argued that state-supported public animal sacrifices go against the rights of both humans and animals. According to the campaigners vegetarian sacrifices
are a worthy alternative.
The network also appealed to the Bhaktapur Municipality and Tourism Board to replace animals with vegetables during Bisket Jatra.
"When no blood is being spilled, the festival will be much more enjoyable for everyone, including tourists," Santosh Khatiwada, Campaign Coordinator of AWNN said.
In letters to the Ministry of Culture and Chief of Army Staff, campaigners said, "Blood sacrifices promote superstition and violence, drain the poor and prevent Nepal from becoming a truly advanced country."
The Nepal Army during Chaite and Bada Dasain sacrifices water buffaloes and goats at the guard houses at Hanuman Dhoka at Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The rites last about two hours and are concluded after the military commander smears each of the banners with the sacrificial blood.
The Bhaktapur Bisket Jatra sees countless blood sacrifices, including pancha bali (five animals). The government sends two goats to the local Guthi Sanstan as state offerings. On the New Year´s Day farmers sacrifice hens that have not yet laid eggs.
The campaigners argue that such public sacrifices condone state supported animal cruelty and violate the rights of people who are not in favor of blood offerings.
"Nepal, realizing the adverse effects, has abolished a number of ´traditions´ in the past, including human sacrifice and widow burning," the campaigners noted.
AWNN argues that bloodless rituals have a firm foundation in Nepal´s culture and will promote tourism and festivals in general.
"Non-violent forms of sacrifice rituals will re-establish festivals as meaningful, fun and positive experiences," the appeal stated.
AWNN is a network of animal welfare organizations. AWNN in 2009 launched a five-year campaign against animal sacrifice and cruel blood sports.
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