Authorities urged to prevent animal sacrifice at Holeyamma Devi fair

Dayanand Swami addressing press persons in Hubballi on Saturday.

President of ‘Viswha Prani Kalyana Mandali mattu Pashu Pranibali Nirmoolana Mahasangha’ Dayanand Swami has appealed to the Dharwad district administration and the police to take measures to prevent animal sacrifice during the Holeyamma Devi fair at Tabakada Honnihalli in Kalaghatagi taluk.

The fair will be held from November 8 to 12.

Addressing press persons here on Saturday, Dayanand Swami urged the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of laws prohibiting animal sacrifice, during processions and at public and religious gatherings.

He called for the enforcement of the Karnataka Prevention of Animal Sacrifices Act, 1959, and the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020. He also urged the administration to take preventive measures in accordance with the High Court directions.

Appealing to devotees to abandon animal sacrifice and conduct worship in a non-violent and traditional manner, he said animal sacrifice was inhuman, rooted in superstition and harmful to the environment.

“Temples should become divine places of worship and not slaughterhouses,” he said, calling for religious gatherings to promote compassion, non-violence, love, humanity and spirituality.

He urged devotees, temple management committees, the government and the media to work towards making religious fairs free from animal cruelty and intoxicating substances.

Dayanand Swami also announced plans to organise an awareness campaign in the fair area to promote non-violence, compassion towards animals and spiritual values.