The Problem

In Himachal Pradesh, India, stray cattle are suffering from neglect, abuse, and unlawful treatment. Individuals attempting to rescue them face violence and obstruction. This petition demands immediate action to enforce animal protection laws and ensure the safety of both animals and rescuers.

What's Happening

In Arla Gaun, Palampur, District Kangra, H.P., India stray cattle are illegally restrained by farmers, left without shelter or adequate food, and forced to suffer heavy rains. Some have died due to these inhumane conditions.

Recently, Robin Singh, co-founder of Peepal Farm, along with Sahil Bhatt from Pashuholic Animal Rescue and their team, attempted to rescue these suffering animals and transport them to shelters. They were physically assaulted by farmers and met with hostility from local authorities.

This is not an isolated incident.

In a prior case, a cow and her calf were tied to a tree with their mouths bound. They suffered for five days before being rescued by Dheeraj Mahajan of Kranti Foundation.

There have been multiple reports of cattle being tortured or killed simply for entering farmland or private property.

The Role of Farmers in This Crisis

The dairy industry requires cows to be repeatedly impregnated for milk production.  Each newborn calf must be registered and tagged to identify the owner, yet male calves—who are not profitable—are often discarded or found dead under suspicious circumstances. Many of these stray cattle were abandoned by the very farmers who now complain about them trespassing on their farms.

If cattle damage a farmer’s crops, the law is clear: the farmer can capture the animals but must notify authorities immediately, for them to then be the ones to take action including relocation to safe shelters. Tying them up, leaving them without food or water, and subjecting them to suffering is illegal, inhumane, and a direct violation of animal welfare laws.

Authorities Are Ignoring the Law

When informed that some farmers had destroyed the NGO staff's equipment and beaten, slapped, and tied them up while they were trying to release the restrained cattle, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate responded:

"Aap ja kar unko chorh rahe hain. Kyon kar rahe ho danga vanga?" ("Why are you going there and releasing them? Why are you causing a riot?")

This response not only dismisses the violence against rescuers but also condones illegal actions, making it harder to protect these animals and those who fight for their welfare.

Why This Matters

• It’s Against the Law: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other regulations exist to protect animals from mistreatment. They must be enforced.
• Rescuers Are Being Attacked: People working to save these animals should not be met with violence.
• Stray Cattle Need a Long-Term Solution: This crisis will continue unless proper measures—such as sustainable shelters—are put in place.

What We Demand

• Immediate Rescue and Care: Authorities must intervene and relocate these cattle to proper shelters.
• Investigation and Accountability: Conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal actions against both animals and activists, holding perpetrators accountable.
• A Sustainable Plan for Stray Cattle: A government-backed initiative to provide safe shelters and proper care is essential.
  

Sign the Petition – Be the Voice for These Animals

This is not just about animal welfare—it’s about enforcing the law, protecting those who stand up for what is right, and ensuring a humane society.

These cattle are suffering and DYING RIGHT NOW. They cannot speak for themselves, but you can.

Sign this petition and share it widely. Together, we can stop this cruelty.