UNITED KINGDOM, June 11, 2007: An online Hindu magazine says the debate about whether a bull tested positive for TB Bovine should be slaughtered has prompted a divided response from the community. When their most recent newsletter featured the story of a temple bull that was up for slaughter, the magazine received a curious response. A response, the editor says, unlike the one in the mainstream media. Rajesh Patel says: “It was a little disappointing that they [the media] were talking about Hindus as though they are one block. The respect for life and the reverence for all life is a very strong sentiment amongst Hindus… but at the same time the vast majority, of even vegetarians or Hindus who have very strong feelings towards the issues of cow protection… would say that if [after] other alternatives there’s still a significant risk to other livestock or to other people, ultimately the creature should be put down.” The bull in question is Shambo. A six-year-old British Friesian bull that lives in a secluded temple in Carmarthenshire in Wales. Animals, particularly cows, are respected to the point of reverence in Hinduism and so here lies the rub. The monks at the temple look after and worship this bull and so couldn’t possibly see it killed. They, and also some other groups, have proposed forming a human chain around the animal to protect it if they were forced to. The British Cattle Veterinary Association has reiterated that Shambo is a risk to both animals and humans despite the measures the temple is taking to minimize infection, including keeping Shambo isolated. The issue has perplexed a number of Hindus worldwide. While appreciating the sanctity of the cow (and all animals), they are also finding themselves protective of those who are looking after him. To watch an interview of Rajesh Patel discussing this issue, go to source.
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