ANIMAL

Kathmandu, May 27, 2010 - AWNN is deeply saddened by the fact that despite its protests, countless animals were sacrificed today on Buddha Jyanti

Today the Rana clan alone during its annual Kul Puja sacrificed some 1000 goats at its Thapathali temple.

The Rana clan was one of the groups that received a letter from AWNN, requesting its members not to kill animals on Buddha's birthday. In a press release the network requested temples and clans to avoid blood sacrifices, claiming that "alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose animal sacrifice." Buddha's birthday is widely celebrated in Nepal, by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

A day before the festival, members of AWNN put up a banner at the main gate of the Rana temple, saying "Let's End Animal Sacrifice and Let's Promote Vegetarian Offering Instead".

Recalls campaign coordinator Mahesh Sharma: "Today when we entered the temple we were shocked to witness the killings of some 800-1000 goats. It is unbelievable to see so many innocent creatures being killed in the name of culture and worship. We returned home with a heavy heart."

Sharma was encouraged by the fact that every participant noticed the banner: "Those who sacrificed animals today at least know that there are many people within their own community who are against this tradition. I hope they will realize in time how inappropriate blood sacrifices are and that next time they will choose non violence offerings."

Kathmandu, May 25, 2010 – The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) requests temples and clans which sacrifice animals during on Buddha’s birthday to make vegetarian offerings instead. Buddha Jyanti this year will be celebrated on May 27.

According to AWNN animal sacrifices are common during Buddha Jyanti. Different clans on this day celebrate their annual ‘kul puja’ or community worship while in different temples the practice of animal sacrifice continues as usual. “Killing innocent beings on the day when Buddha’s birthday is being celebrated in Nepal makes the sacrifices even more controversial,” argues AWNN.

The seven animal welfare organizations coordinated by AWNN argue that on Buddha’s birthday alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose animal sacrifice. “We trust priests and clan committees do not want to hurt the sentiments of their countrymen and fellow clan members,” AWNN says.

AWNN earlier this year launched a 5-year campaign against blood sacrifices and cruel sports. The network already requested the army and police to abolish state-funded animal sacrifices.

AWNN targets various clan sacrifices, which according to campaign coordinator Mahesh Sharma ‘have become controversial at this modern time and age as many clan members are in fact against blood sacrifices’. Sharma argues that clan pujas should be a harmonizing, enjoyable experience for all members, including children. “Abolishing animal sacrifices and introducing alternative sacrifice rituals using fruits and vegetables will re-establish kul pujas as important, fun and positive experiences.”

Executive members of Thought for Superb Living organised programmes in Arghakhanchi district to convince people not to sacrifice animals on Buddha's birthday. The management of Kota temple, where generally countless animals are beheaded, agreed to sacrifice vegetables and fruits instead of animals.

For more information go to www.stopanimalsacrifice.org

AWNN saddened by mass sacrifice on Buddha's birthday

No animal sacrifice on Buddha's birthday please!