Popular singer Zubeen Garg, who recently called for an end to animal sacrifice at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, will be honoured by PETA India for voicing his concern for animals.
In a statement released on May 31, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India said that the singer will receive a ‘Hero to Animals Award’ for “his act of compassion”.
“According to reports, while performing at a function near the temple, he expressed his anguish over animal sacrifice and said that the practice must end. For this act of compassion, he’ll receive a Hero to Animals Award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India,” the statement said.
“All religions call for compassion, no religion requires killing or eating animals. Hacking animals to death with weapons is just plain cruel,” says PETA India associate director of celebrity and public relations Sachin Bangera. “We commend Zubeen for being a voice for animals and calling for an end to animal sacrifices,” he added.
Last year, following various efforts by PETA India and People for Animals, the Municipal Council of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh issued an executive order refusing to grant permission for animal sacrifices that were scheduled to take place on the last day of the Kullu Dussehra festival.
“PETA India also offers this guidance on its website showing members of the public what they can do to help the group stop animal sacrifice. It links to this letter from the government advisory body – the Animal Welfare Board of India to states – letting them know that, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, the killing of animals outside licensed slaughterhouses is illegal. It further warns that animal-transport laws are often violated when animals are moved in order to be sacrificed,” the statement read.
Previously, PETA India wrote to the central government and all state and union territory governments urging them to implement the February 17, 2017 order of the Supreme Court stating that the Indian government’s compendium of acts and rules regarding animal transport and slaughter must be complied with.
Other recipients of PETA India’s Hero to Animals Award include Asin Thottumkal for saving a dog who’d been hit by a car, Cyrus Broacha for refusing to perform a stunt that involved riding a bull; Zarine Khan for rescuing a cat from the street; Rani Mukerji for helping a dog in distress on her film set; Sadaa Sayed for helping a puppy who was almost hit by a car during a rainstorm; Shilpa Shetty for raising awareness of the plight of animals in circuses; Aindrita Ray for helping puppies who were being abused; and Dia Mirza’s production house Born Free Entertainment for showing that homeless animals make wonderful additions to families.
