Thought for the Day, 10 July 2007

Akhandadhi Das

Good morning. On Thursday, Cardiff Civil Justice Centre will decide life or death for Shambo, the Friesian bull born and raised in the Hindu-based Community of the Many Names of God in Skanda Vale near Carmarthen. His crime? He tested positive for exposure to Tuberculosis. Currently, this carries the death penalty. DEFRA's policy is to cull any such animal in its efforts to contain bovine TB from spreading amongst other cattle and potentially infecting humans.

Most folk know that, in Hinduism, the cow is sacred. In the same way that many people regard their cats and dogs as part of the family, Hindus consider cows and bulls to be part of the extended human family. There is a natural relationship of inter-dependence. Cows offer us the miracle food - milk; and bulls provide power and transport. But it's not just cows - the Hindu religion regards all life as sacred. The community at Skanda Vale is, therefore, devastated that an animal in its care might be taken away for slaughter - even though it hasn't yet been proven to be a threat to anyone.

However, many farmers have publicly supported the Welsh Assembly's decision to enforce the slaughter of Shambo. They say there should be one law for everyone with no exceptions made on the basis of religion. I agree - but I do believe that laws need to be broad enough and should include viable alternatives to achieve their purpose so that they don't cut across people's ethics, religion or conscience.

We don't cull infected humans to protect other people, we treat them. Same with zoo animals. So, can there not be an option within DEFRA's law on TB for those who want to cure rather than kill? Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals." So, it seems odd that we should require anyone, whether farmer or religious community, to destroy life rather than follow their commitment to nurture it.

The Skanda Vale community takes its inspiration from two principles found in the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita - these are: service to life and devotion to God. Should the decision on Thursday go against Shambo, the monks and nuns have vowed to remain true to those convictions. They feel they cannot be expected to assist in the death of Shambo, but, in case there was worry, they have said that they will not use or allow any type of force or violence to obstruct the authorities. I support this approach. It's important, their method of campaigning for the welfare of Shambo is in keeping with their message of celebrating the sanctity and divine nature of all life.