BIRGUNJ, April 25: Sajitkumar came along with six of his donkeys to participate in the animal rally held at Birgunj on the occasion of World Veterinary Day. All his donkeys sported a pro-animal-freedom banner on their backs but their shanks were tied to each other. Every time a donkey wanted to move against the limits afforded by the coir-rope chains, Sujit would beat the animals with a stick. [break]
“If we don´t tie them up, then of course they will be difficult to handle,” he said, “and since they are slow, they need to be beaten as well.”
Along with Sajit, more than 300 horse cart drivers participated at the rally. Although their carts were sporting slogans in support of animal freedom, they were also using violence to control them.
“We always beat them,” said one driver, “how can we stop this habit for just one day?”
The slogan on his horse read, “may we be free from pain and wounds.”
Horses carrying slogans demanding that they be allowed to demonstrate normal behavior were being beaten for doing so.
