Shambo is a sacred bull living at Skanda Vale Temple (also known as the Community of the Many Names of God),near Carmarthen in South Wales.
Shambo was given three tests for TB and after two negatives the third was a reactor, meaning he could develop the disease. Under the law he is due to be slaughtered a week tomorrow but the Hindus at the temple, who say the killing of bulls and cows is against their religious principles, is urging the Welsh Assembly minister to reconsider.
"We have been advised that there is provision both within the Animal Health Act 1981 and the more recent TB Order Wales 2006 for permission to treat and vaccinate any animal identified as having TB with the prior consent of the minister for the National Assembly of Wales."
e three temples on the site, and strict measures are being taken to ensure that he is kept away from the other animals there (which include water buffalo, an elephant and peacocks). A Welsh Assembly spokesman said every effort would be made to treat the case as sensitively as possible. But, referring to the slaughter policy, he added: "We fully understand this can be distressing for the owners, but these measures are in place to protect public health and animal health and prevent the further spread of the disease."
Hindus from all over the country have vowed to travel to Skanda Vale to form a human chain around Shambo if the order to slaughter is given.
Meanwhile Shambo is rather enjoying all the extra attention and nuts.
For more details, including a report straight from the bull's mouth, go here
5 comments:
Oh dear, I hope Shambo is saved and that the Minister has compassion.
I couldn't get the connection to connect. Sounds like a lot of bull to me. Hope everything works out. Of course you know what will happen if Shambo is not put down, gets sick, and spreads the illness. The loving Hindu's will say it was the will of God. Another one of those no win situations.
Saw this on 'Have I got news for you'
I can't quite see why Shambo can't be saved.
Jobsworths in the relevant arm of government, I suspect.
Is there a large Hindu Community in Carmarthen?
Are there hordes of bathers in the sacred waters of the Teifi?
Farmers see TB as a great threat and officials say it is difficult to ensure complete quarantine.
Apparently 90,000 pilgrims make their way to this settlement each year. I am amazed!
Someone will be upset no matter what happens, I'm sure.
I, too, hope he is saved. He looks lovely.
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