How Plastic Pollution Is Choking Thousands Of Cows In India
Cows are the victims of some of the highest acts of cruelty, abandonment, and abuse. One of the biggest problems that the cows face is that they do not get proper fodder and water. They often end up feeding on garbage and waste. In cities, you may have seen cows wandering around streets in search of food — rummaging around garbage dumps and sewage areas — and end up chewing plastic, mistaking it for food.
As human beings, we don’t think twice before discarding waste. However, this carelessness and negligence have led to an increase in plastic waste on our roads. Animal health concerns arise when cows start feeding on this toxic waste in search of food. The plight of these cows only worsens when the plastic begins to choke them internally, accumulates in their body, and causes them to suffer. While the cows may look healthy on the outside, they go through a tremendous amount of pain and agony inside, which they are unable to express.
A number of gaushalas in India are working towards providing them fodder and a safe home. Neelavar Gaushala in Udupi, Karnataka is one of them. A member says:
“It is extremely upsetting to see that thousands of cows die due to an overdose of plastic waste in their body. We have tried to do our best to protect them and build a gaushala where they can be fed, but we have a long way to go. We urge people to protect our cows by building safe ground and shelter homes so they can be rescued, and receive the food and water they deserve to live a healthy life.”
Neelavar Gaushala in Udupi is a rescue ground and a safe home for cattle. The gaushala was established 10 years ago under the leadership of Pejawar Swamiji. It began as a modest movement to help home and care for cows. However, it grew to accommodate more and more cattle, most of whom needed rescuing from slaughterhouses.
Work at the Neelavar Gaushala begins at daybreak, and there is seldom a moment of rest. With over 2000 cows to care for, life is busy. Close to 70 percent of the cows here are male, and 30 are female. A large percentage of the cows here are injured and old. They need special love and care, and everyone at Neelavar gaushala is determined to give these helpless animals a good home. The gaushala is now headed by Vishwa Prasanna Tirtha Swamiji, and the trust of about 15 members oversees all operations of the Gaushala.
It is important that we understand the significance of animals around us and relook at our habits and ways so that we don’t end up harming them. These voiceless creatures have no one else but us to look after them.
On Donatekart, you can support several gaushalas who are working relentlessly to take care of the cows.
