Stop this barbarism

[Guest guest]

Dear Sirs,

 

The last days the whole world watches shocked the unspeakable atrocities

that take place in slaughterhouses in your country, where poor animals

wait for their horrible death in order to become leather for trade. Many

of us honestly wonder how is it possible a country like India, with long

tradition and religion which stands up for the peaceful coexistence of

all creatures on Earth, to allow such brutalities to happen.

 

A first step against this barbarism would be to initiate humane

standards for the transport and slaughter of cows, buffaloes, sheep and

goats used in the Indian leather trade. Additionally, we urge the

Council for Leather Exports to recognize ongoing animal abuse within the

leather industry and implement animal welfare guidelines now.

We respectfully ask government officials to enforce anti-cruelty laws

and penalize workers who batter and overload animals; deprive animals of

food, water and shelter; sell abused animals; or inhumanely slaughter

animals.

 

Graphic documentation shows pervasive and unlawful abuse, including

unsanitary and hazardous conditions inside slaughterhouses. Fallen cows

lie on floors splattered with blood, feces, guts and urine. Workers drag

animals into abattoirs where they often cut them apart with filthy, dull

knives. Some animals remain conscious as they are skinned and

dismembered. Animals gouge and crush each other while transported

hundreds of miles in rickety trucks. Drivers break their legs and necks

to cram in more animals.

Investigators have found bullocks and cows tethered by strings pierced

through their noses. They've seen animals whose tails were broken so

many times, swollen, tumor-like joints protruded from their tail areas.

 

Despite assurances from Indian officials, no visible improvements have

been made. Animals are still transported under wretched conditions.

Slaughter facilities are still unhygienic. Unlicensed abattoirs still

operate. Small calves are still illegally butchered to process as leather.

 

Please strengthen animal protections laws in India. We are eager to know

about any reforms that actually enhance the lives of animals.

 

Sincerely,

Katerina and Maria Nika,

Greece