Though ‘gau raksha’ (cow protection) is among the top priorities of the UP government, 499 stray animals – most of them cows – have died in Lucknow’s Kanha Upvan from April 1 to September 30 this year. No inquiries have been ordered, no death audits done and there have been no post-mortem examinations of the animals’ bodies.
Officials of Kanha Upvan (shelter for homeless animals) said the cows that died were brought here in a poor condition. Some of them were accident victims, some were ill while others were too old and weak.
“No cow has died of hunger or mismanagement. ‘Jeevaashraya’ has always taken good care of animals in Kanha Upvan – the biggest animal shelter home in the country,” said Amit Sehgal, manager, Kanha Upvan.
Sehgal said questions were raised over the death of stray animals only because ‘Jeevashraya’ (NGO that was taking care of the shelter home) decided to withdraw from the maintenance of Kanha Upvan.
{{/usCountry}}Sehgal said questions were raised over the death of stray animals only because ‘Jeevashraya’ (NGO that was taking care of the shelter home) decided to withdraw from the maintenance of Kanha Upvan.
{{/usCountry}}He admitted that ‘Jeevashraya’ was struggling to arrange food for the stray animals for the last few days as all their funds had dried up. Besides, the state government had refused to give more funds for Kanha Upvan.
Sehgal said despite Jeevaashrya’s request not to send more cows to Kanha Upvan, the authorities were sending cattle, which was increasing financial burden on the NGO.
‘Jeevashraya’ was accused of taking Rs 8.35 crore aid from the state government in last five years and their refusal to feed the animals drew flak from animal lovers and animal rights activists. One of the activists said, “Can they tell what they have done for Kanha Upvan during that period. Why can’t they feed animals for a month? With such huge aid from others, anyone can manage affairs at Kanha Upvan.”
Municipal commissioner Udairaj Singh said he was keeping a close watch on the situation at Kanha Upvan, but would make a statement on the death figures only after verifying the facts.