PETA to Protest Governments Refusal to Abate Shocking Conditions at Deonar Abattoir
For Immediate Release:
20 February, 2001
Contact:
Jason Baker 98201 22602
Mumbai — To draw attention to the suffering of cattle at Deonar, an ‘Angel of Death’ will beat a life-like ‘bull calf’ to death, soaking the pavement in his ‘blood’, in front of The Gateway to India while PETA members hold signs reading, ‘India: Stop Cruel Cattle transport’ and ‘Close Deonar Now’. PETA is protesting at the Gateway, Mumbai’s top tourist draw, hoping to educate both local residents and tourists about the sad state of cattle in Mumbai.
Date: Thursday 22 February
Time: 12 noon (sharp)
Place: Gateway to India (Near Adams St.)
The protest comes on the heels of a recent report by PETA showing that Deonar has failed to meet even minimum humane, hygiene, religious and legal standards for slaughter and animal handling. The report, available by click here, details horrible conditions for animals at the abattoir, and PETA is holding the BMC responsible for failing to incorporate the assistance of the police and other government officials to ensure that slaughterhouse operations are humane and legal.
Over the past year, PETA representatives have made several unannounced visits to Deonar. However, despite pledges by the Mumbai municipality, PETA has found that illegal and shocking inhumane conditions persist. Observations made by PETA undercover investigators reveal that frightened buffalos and bullocks are slaughtered in full view of each other on the slaughter floor, then shackled and hoisted upside down to be bled while conscious. PETA investigators also noted that injured animals are not afforded emergency slaughter and are instead left to struggle and suffer, strewn across the grounds. Diseased cattle and cattle who have been severely injured during transport are brought in on carts and left waiting, untreated and struggling with their disabilities, wounds and injuries, while healthy animals are being slaughtered.
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk says, ‘Deonar management and Mumbai officials have proved that they lack the initiative, interest and ability to clean up their act. Deonar should be closed immediately!’
