Protest cruel Jallikattu, sample letter

BACKGROUND

This week Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) will launch a new ‘boycott’ drive to support efforts in India to enforce an existing ban on the cruel Indian, Jallikattu, which is currently going un-enforced, but what is Jallikattu? Jallikattu is a cruel contact game in which terrified bulls are surrounded by hundreds of shouting men, are hit with fists, have their tails twisted and pulled – and some even snapped and broken – and are jumped on and wrestled to the ground. Men pounce on the backs of bulls, sometimes alone, sometimes together and attempt to wrestle him to the ground. There are reports that chili powder is rubbed into the bulls’ eyes, they are given alcohol and then have to undergo the trauma of being chased by mobs who try to overpower and bring them down. Investigations at five Jallikattu events after these regulations had come into place documented bulls being tied so tightly it would cause them severe discomfort and pain, hit with fists, having their tails twisted and pulled, jumped on and wrestled to the ground. Not only is Jallikattu cruel to animals, it also poses a threat to public safety. In one four-day period in January 2011 again after these regulations came to be, 215 people sustained injuries during Jallikattu events. Out of this, 154 people were spectators who suffered injuries. Two people died.

ARAN has started contacting Indian officials, tourist agencies and others to inform them of our efforts to highlight the cruel spectacle here in Ireland and across Europe with our  ‘ad’ that  is a mock-up of the ‘Incredible India’ tourist ad’s that promote the beautiful country.


TAKE ACTION

Tell the Indian Tourism Minister that you won’t visit India until it enforces the ban on the Jallikattu.


WHOM TO CONTACT

tourismminister@nic.in


SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Minister,

I am writing today to share my disturbance regarding the ritual Jallikattu, about which I have learned is characterized by the methodical torture and torment of a bull in a demonstration of manhood, a ceremony celebrating “bravery”. During this event, a bull is systematically brutalized, tripped, beaten, jumped on, and wrestled to the ground, and at times chili powder is shoved into the bulls’ eyes. This unremitting torment is inflicted on the bull while he is fully conscious, subjecting him to what can only be considered excruciating pain and prolonged suffering even though this activity has been banned. Additionally, it is my understanding that dozens of spectators have historically been injured, some with fatal injuries. I am therefore requesting you enforce the ban and cease this savage event.

While I would never embrace such an egotistical belief that my opinions take precedent over established and sacred customs, any “tradition”, however, that is built on a foundation of extreme animal cruelty, exploitation, and suffering, and which inflicts pain and fear on innocent, sentient animals, is neither justified, nor an expression of historical or manly courage and pride. There can be no honor amongst those who condemn animals to such depraved actions substantiating my disturbance that such animal cruelty is perpetuated by the inaccurate conviction that this ritual confirms bravery.

As such, I, along with a global contingent of concerned citizens, respectfully request that you intervene to ensure the ban is enforced so that no other bulls have to be tormented for cheap human entertainment or obscure traditions. Please provide your voice for others to observe their obligatory duty and responsibility by protecting animals, not condoning their torture; your ethical gesture of compassion would serve as an international model of empathy.

Regrettably, until such a time as the ban is enforced and further bulls not mistreated, I will promote a boycott of India and will share this information with friends, colleagues, and online community networks.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent issue.

NAME
ADDRESS

Vodpod videos no longer available.

to whom we hope this concerns:

if you really think about this
you will realize this something
no one would miss
there are laws out there
to stop this ugly course
but these laws are not
being adequately enforced
think if you were the bull
and sadistic humans were
on your trail
you would want the ban
enforced
NOW without fail!!!!

Karen Lyons Kalmenson