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:: NEWS :: Shambo: Temple cow on Death Row Hindu Voice UK, May - June 2007 Earlier this month the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs issued a notification of slaughter of a bull residing in the Skanda Vale Temple complex called Shambo, due to having been tested positive for bovine tuberculosis. However, the bull had not shown symptoms of TB and as yet, was in a healthy condition. The Skanda Vale Temple authorities along with various other Hindu organisations such as Hindu Forum of Britain, Hindu Council UK, Hindu Human Rights and many others protested against the policy of outright slaughter without considering other humane options and pleaded to the government to consider the right to life of the animal especially since the voiceless bull was not intended to enter the food chain and was cared for by the Hindu community in Skanda Vale. More than 12,000 people have signed the online petition (http://www.wevaluelife.org/) in support of the campaign to save Shambo, who can in fact be seen live online at http://www.skandavale.org/webcam/webcam.htm. After much uproar in the media, parliament and peoples’ sensibilities the execution due to take place on May 21 was stayed. Now as Shambo, quarantined in a shed, remains on death row, the Welsh Assembly regional government says that the slaughter order is still in force but it is assessing the issues "surrounding this very sensitive case". The temple authorities said they were considering legal action, although this was a last resort. "We would very much hope that there is a political will to find a solution." Should the Hindu bull be spared? The fate of Shambo has been a matter of hot debate. The following are some of the views that have been expressed, together with their source (if applicable). It is interesting to note that not all Hindus agree that the bull should necessarily be saved (although most do), and on the other hand that some voices calling for Shambo to be saved come from non-Hindus.
Source: Tom Griffith-Jones on http://www.warmwell.com/shambo.html "If
there is even the slightest risk of the disease spreading to other
animals or even humans, then the way forward would be to put down
the animal. Life of the bull is sacred but so is the life of other
livestock or humans who may (even accidentally) come in contact
with this bull. Hindu religion places great deal of emphasis on
the importance of using our rational faculties when deciding on
religious issues." "An
interesting thing about Hindus, is that in areas where they have
political control, then the slaughtering of cattle is illegal. Imagine
a coalition government made up of them and the Moslems. No Roast
Beef on a Sunday and no bacon butties for the true pork lovers.
What a sad world. Another reason for joining the British National
Party." "If,
however every other treatment alternative has been exhausted and
the health hazard still remains substantial, then we call upon the
Hindu community to reflect on the message of Bhagavad-Gita to detach
themselves from their emotions and be objective about the situation,
and think about the greater good of society." "This
is no more than a threat. Put the animal down and shoot anyone who
tries to stop it. This is OUR country and we must be safe. It's
not India or anywhere else. In Blairistan the foreigner rules. Your
legacy Tony. You created this monster. Why not say all dogs are
sacred and therefore a dangerous dog is a religious symbol. Utter
********!" "Killing
Shambo will violate our faith, tradition and desecrate our temple.
It goes against all accepted norms of our faith." "There
is really no need to slaughter Shambo, medicine and strict isolation
can stop the risk of contagion…... But this is not the real
debate. What this is really about is the clash of two cultures.
Neither side will compromise, as both have such strong conviction
in their belief systems. The values of Sacredness in every sentient
being on the one hand, are pitted against the cultural value of
Rules & Commerce on the other hand." "I'm
sorry but the Hindu population of this country should be reminded
of where they are. If the animal poses a health threat, it must
be destroyed. This is the result when 'foreign' cultures clash with
those of the adopted country." "We
do not kill humans who have TB, even the ones who refuse treatment
and risk passing it onto others. This is a treatable illness, even
if he does have it. It would be completely unnecessary to slaughter
him as he can be treated and he would never be slaughtered as he
lives on a reserve not a farm."
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"I
hope that this case might be a turning point in this absurd practice
of killing animals because they are diseased."