Under Gujarat Law (The Bombay Animal Preservation Act 1954) it is illegal to slaughter cows, calves, bulls or bullocks. Despite this law, animals are still being slaughtered and illegally exported everyday in India.

The cows, buffaloes and sometimes camels are found compressed into a small truck on top of each other tied with rope from their necks to ankles, unable to breathe or move. Full of fear they sense death but are helpless. Sometimes the animals are found already butchered in forests with pools of blood and flesh on the bare ground. Many times the cows’ eyes are smothered with chilli powder to dehabilitate control and create more pain.

The Gaurakshaks (also known as The Cow Protectors) are a group of volunteers who take action in the form of rescues to protect the animals by all means including risking their lives. From anonymous tips, the Gaurakshaks plan their rescues to intercept and stop these vehicles.The dangerous car chases often lead to serious, and sometimes fatal injuries to both animals and volunteers. When found, the trucks are usually piled with injured and starving animals tied in the back.

You can also support by donating HERE

Problems/Actions

Enforce the law
Although many times the drivers are caught, the court process is very long and delayed. Neha Patel represents the animals in court yet justice is delayed due to the driver not being present. These delays continue and the dates constantly stretch out. There are hundreds of cases pending. The legal system in India is not functioning. There needs to be more enforcement on the existing law.

Protect the Gaurakshaks
The cow protectors do this voluntarily. They spend their entire day and night trying to chase truck and intercept vehicles. Many have been injured severely. From sleepless nights to travelling to dangerous territories, their aim is to save the animals. Indeed the local police do support some missions, but there needs to be more support. Having a Gaurakshaks squad in the Police system would decrease the level of risk and accomplish more rescues.

Funding
Neha Patel has been struggling financially to pay for all these expenses. The government do not support the sanctuaries or the volunteers and there funds are entirely reliant on donations. If you can support by giving a donation that would be appreciated.  There are many different aspects to what the funds will go towards, below are a few:

·      Buying more land for the saved animals
·      Maintaining vehicles that they use for chasing illegal butchers
·      Health and welfare – this includes hospital treatment for the injured animals
·      Purchasing Manual cow cranes for cows who can't stand up
·      Sanctuary expenses (food, water, shelter, staff)
·      Hospital treatment for volunteers in accidents

The documentary
Meera Darji, filmmaker is currently raising funds for the Gaurakshaks to make a documentary to expose the truth. Her documentary aims to uncover the story of the Gaurakshas who are taking their own initiate and guts to revolt against animal violence, illegal slaughter and catching criminals along the way. The documentary will capture visceral footage of the animals inside the trucks, court process, chases and rescues. Together with Nehaben, she hopes to take the film and show it to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in hope to create conversation and thus change on this urgent matter.

Watch: Fundraising Trailer

Sign the Petition
By signing this petition, you will be supporting our aim to stop illegal slaughtering in India. Your signature will help go towards the actions above and be part of a change. The more signatures, the more animals we can save. You can also Donate here

Information on Pranin Foundation
Pranin Foundation’s PAN is AACTP6254H. Its trust registration number is Gujarat/3397/Vadodara. It has been registered as a charitable trust by the Charity Commissioner Office, Vadodara.
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/PraninVadodara/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PraninVadodara

Updates can be found here

If you are based in India and would like to volunteer, get in touch here