During the annual Khokana Festival in Nepal, a 5-6 months old female goat is thrown into a pond and ripped apart while she is still alive. A group of young men enter the pond and attack, bite and tear the goat apart. The man who finally kills the goat is proclaimed a ‘hero’ and leads the dance procession which follows. According to Khokana residents this spectacle provides religious merit, although religious leaders have suggested that animals be replaced by fruits and vegetables to stop the suffering.

The Khokana Festival is held in August. Please ask the authorities to ban this cruel practice and to put an end to animal sacrifice in Nepal!