In Vadodara, Gujarat, a group of animal rights activists decided to purchase all goats and sheep from animal markets to save them from being slaughtered during Bakrid, reported Indian Express. The group responsible for this calls itself “Sarvadharm Jeevdaya Samiti” and have launched a campaign to ban the export of goats and sheep to the Middle East.
It was reported that members of this initiative mostly belong to the Jain community.
“We are not against any religion nor is this a campaign against any religion. We strive to increase awareness about animal rights and want to get more people to voluntarily join our cause. We are animal lovers who are appalled by the inhuman treatment meted out to these silent creatures,” said Rajeev Shah, secretary of Shri Vadodara Panjrapole, which manages two animal shelters in the city. Shah further added, “Since Bakrid is still away, we were able to purchase goats at a very low cost. We got 94 goats for about ₹1.5 lakh. As Bakrid will draw closer, one goat will cost about ₹15,000-20,000. At the moment, the traders are willing to sell at a lower cost.”
Popular twitter handle True Indology@TIinExile wrote“ On Bakrid, Jains buy goats to save them from slaughter! This is a Jain tradition. In the 17th century, Jains purchased so many that not one was available in Ahmedabad on Bakrid. Aurangzeb had to ban this tradition. Real animal activism! Not fake PETA Drama!”
On Bakrid, Jains buy goats to save them from slaughter!
This is a Jain tradition. In 17th century, Jains purchased so many that not one was available in Ahmedabad on Bakrid. Aurangzeb had to ban this tradition.
Real animal activism! Not fake PETA Drama!https://t.co/PHTcuqreKY
— True Indology (@TIinExile) July 20, 2020
The group plans to travel across the state to purchase goats to help distressed farmers who are selling livestock due to drought-like situation. Often these are bought for slaughter even through illegal channels.