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Cows - On the brink of disaster |
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by Anishka Jha | 29-08-2016 14:41 0 |
India is known to be a country with most diverse religions, exotic cuisines, breathtaking views, etc. But what other countries do not know is the fact that cows, bulls and other animals roam around freely in the farm chewing the cud and sometimes even on the road. India is known to have rich historical, religious and cultural heritage where the holy cow, the Mother of India is revered by all and, in most states, is not allowed to be slaughtered. Even though India is trying its best to install neat garbage systems some areas still have open garbage systems, which means open garbage bins on the roads overflowing with malodorous waste. Stray dogs, monkeys, cows and bulls depend on whatever is left behind in the garbage bin to survive. Since plastic bags have invaded our lives, almost all garbage and food waste is disposed in plastic bags and because these bags are usually tied in a knot cows are unable to reach the food leftover inside so they eat the bag as a whole. Owing to cows' complex digestive systems, these bags never get expelled and, over time, accumulate inside the first stomach of the cow. There, these bags get entangled and become hard like cement. Hygiene in the farm starts with clean surroundings because some waste material can disturb animal comfort and health. In places where there are cattle markets, there are a lot of owners. These owners buy the animals from farmers or cattle markets for very little money. Whenever the animal looks 'fat', they sell them for a lot of money for slaughter. When the farmer feeds the cow natural food and grass, the animal, having eaten garbage all its life, dies from indigestion. Many anti-plastic campaigns have been held in India to reduce the death of the holy cow. At present, there is a ban on plastic bags up to 40 microns in many states. But no one has focused on the hazardous effects of plastic on the animals and their right to live a life free of plastic. Cows have the basic right to live and graze all day, but due to our cruel nature they are eating food leftover in plastic bags. This is truly another form of brutality and slowly the noble cow will become an endangered species. |
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4 Comments
We too have fresh grass to feed cows in India but in some areas like on roads cows are left unattended and they start to feed on plastic. Thanks for telling me about how is the situation in Indonesia!
Posted 30-08-2016 16:39
I totally agree with you Joshua....and it would be great to know the practices in South America too.
Posted 30-08-2016 16:34
It's really sad to know that cows eat plastic bag as a whole. In Indonesia, we still have some fresh grass to fed cattle. I agree with you about open garbage systems. It have to be change so cattle can't eat the bag. Thanks for sharing this!
Posted 30-08-2016 11:42
Thanks for writing this. You know what, the situation is almost the same in West Africa. Cattle roam freely but that is not good enough. I will appreciate if our colleagues from South America tells us how they farm cattle in Brazil, Argentina, etc. The current practices in Africa & India is very poor. It needs drastic change
Posted 30-08-2016 04:25