by Syamasundara dasa

Farm Manager
Bhaktivedanta Manor

Gangotri went down in September 2006 after our bull jumped on her back.

At the very first instance we called our local vet and followed all the
recommendations he directed.

Along with with allopathic treatments from our local vet we have also
administered a range of alternate treatments which include homeopathy,
acupuncture, manipulation, massage, and reiki.

We did expect that she would pass on quite soon after going down however
here we are one year and quarter on and she is still going strong.

We have one of our farm personnel who is specifically tasked to nurse her
and attend to all her needs.

As well as having occasional check ups from our local vet we are currently
treating Gangotri with homeopathic medicines prescribed by Doctor Day from
Oxford.

Sometimes Gangotri appears to be in some discomfort however in general she
appears strong apart from that she cannot walk. Occasionally she stands on
all fours for a few seconds and then lies down again.

She is located in the most visitor accessible position in the farm to enable
her to get plenty of company and also to demonstrate an important aspect of
Cow protection where-in our cows are cared for the entirety of their natural
life.

Over the past month there has been a series of visits from various
professional persons who have been requested to make a judgment on her
condition.

About one month ago our local vet came to visit her at the request of a
visitor.

Last week on the 4th of December a Vet from the State Veterinary Service
(SVS) came to conduct a test on three of our cows and at the same time to
look at Gangotri again at the request of a visitor to the farm. The Vet was
informed of our position regarding cows and how we take care of them within
our faith. Despite this information he wrote a formal letter advising us
that we make arranegement to kill the cow. I haven’t received this letter yet
but I was shown it when he visited again on the 7th of December.

On the second visit of the vet from the SVS he stated his opinion regarding
Gangotri and I gave the position of the temple. He indicated on his
departure that nothing further would probably come from it taking into count
the seriousness of the cows connection with the Hindu Faith.

On the 10th and 11th (I wasn’t available on the 10th) of December we were
visited by an officer from the RSPCA who had also been contacted by a
visitor to the temple regarding Gangotri. He had already been in contact
with DEFRA.

He read me my rights under caution and proceeded to issue me with a warning
notice stating that we should euthanize Gangotri immediately. Later in the
afternoon a police office came under the request of the RSPCA to also
re-enforce the legal position of the RSPCA officer and the SVS vet. Both the
RSPCA and police indicated that they would not act without any notification
but reminded us that the legal wheels are now turning.

On the 12th of December we were visited by a seniour member of the RSPCA
accompanied by two other junior RSPCA officers. The RSPCA were also
accompanied by two local police officers. During the visit the RSPCA pointed
out their position regarding Gangotri and we informed them of our position.
During the meeting we were led to believe that we would have the opportunity
of taking some legal acttion to stop the slaughter notice. The police
indicated that we would get time to counter the slaughter notice.

This morning at 9am I received a call that the RSPCA and police were at
the farm. On my entering the farm the police issued me with a warrant to
enter the premises. At the same time the head of the RSPCA delegation
stopped me and apologised about the action they were going to have to make.
During my protestations to the RSPCA officer another officer came and
reportedt that the cow had already been killed. The seniour officer had
delayed me whilst they sneakily were killing our cow.

I immediately went to the barn to see a vet declaring the cow was dead
accompanied by other RSPCA officers. This despicable action by the RSPCA an
organisation that is meant to given protection to animals has performed the
most heinous act of killing a cow just because it can’t stand.

The Manor and undoubtedly the greater community will feel much shock and
outrage at this action.

Yours mortified and angry
Syamasundara dasa

Farm Manager
Bhaktivedanta Manor