Animal welfare has become a business, and the black sheep need to be exposed: Naresh Kadyan

Interview with animal activist and chairman, People for Animals Haryana

Over the past two years, the politics surrounding the cow and the violence perpetrated in the name of cow protection has escalated in the country. While self-proclaimed 'gau rakshaks' have taken it upon themselves to protect cows and punish anyone they consider guilty of killing the animal, ironically, they have turned a blind eye to the pitiable condition of shelters in which stray cows live across the country. Naresh Kadyan, animal activist and chairman, People for Animals Haryana, spoke to Shakya Mitra on the challenges in ensuring better living conditions for animals.Excerpts:

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at cow vigilantes who are spreading violence in the name of gau raksha. What do you make of Modi's comments and the backlash he has received from fringe Hindu organisations for it?

Prime Minister Modi's message is very clearly against such anti-social elements. The United Nations-affiliated International Organisation for Animal Protection along with People for Animals (PFA) Haryana endorsed the PM's statement because no one is above the law of the land, and the social fabric should be maintained.

I am of the opinion that animal rights activists can't be allowed to hurt other living beings. We have kind hearts and we even love and protect plants; plants live and breathe like humans. Besides non-violence is at the core of our values.

Today, the chances of a stray cow dying of poisoning after eating plastic packets are far higher than it being slaughtered. Yet, what we see is an increasing focus on banning cow slaughter, beef eating and so on. What do you have to say on this?

All animals should be protected from unnecessary pain and suffering, including cows. Recently, we at PFA Haryana arranged space for stray cows and asked the state government to rescue them from the roads and send them to our gaushala. Cow slaughter should be banned as beef has little nutritional value for us. Even the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has disapproved of beef eating. We in general strongly oppose slaughtering of all animals. The beliefs of the Hindus should be respected.

Recent reports in the media have highlighted the terrible condition of cow shelters in states across the country. Doesn't the poor condition in which rescued cows live defeat the purpose of gau raksha?

The Supreme Court guarantees five liberties to every animal in the country, namely, freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition; freedom from fear and distress; freedom from physical and thermal discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; and freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour.

According to Section (3) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which defines the duties of custodians of animals, offenders (in this case, those responsible for looking after the cow shelters) should be punished.

What do you think the government can do to improve the living condition of animals at shelters and ensure there are enough shelters to house all stray animals?

Sadly, animal welfare has become a business and the black sheep in society need to be exposed. In accordance with Section 35 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the government has not been able to set up enough infirmaries to take care of sick animals.

What is required is active public participation alongside regular funding and monitoring of animal shelters across the country by the government to ensure these shelters remain in good shape.

Do you think the government is serious about protecting the rights of animals?

The government is not serious about animal-related issues. If it is really serious about protecting cows, it should declare it as India's national animal.