Press Release

“Stop animal sacrifices on Buddha’s birthday,” say

campaigners
Kathmandu, May 25, 2010 – The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) requests temples
and clans which sacrifice animals during on Buddha’s birthday to make vegetarian offerings
instead. Buddha Jyanti this year will be celebrated on May 27.

According to AWNN animal sacrifices are common during Buddha Jyanti. Different clans on
this day celebrate their annual ‘kul puja’ or community worship while in different temples the
practice of animal sacrifice continues as usual. “Killing innocent beings on the day when
Buddha’s birthday is being celebrated in Nepal makes the sacrifices even more controversial,”
argues AWNN.

The seven animal welfare organizations coordinated by AWNN argue that on Buddha’s
birthday alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose
animal sacrifice. “We trust priests and clan committees do not want to hurt the sentiments of
their countrymen and fellow clan members,” AWNN says.

AWNN earlier this year launched a 5-year campaign against blood sacrifices and cruel sports.
The network already requested the army and police to abolish state-funded animal sacrifices.

AWNN targets various clan sacrifices, which according to campaign coordinator Mahesh
Sharma ‘have become controversial at this modern time and age as many clan members are
in fact against blood sacrifices’. Sharma argues that clan pujas should be a harmonizing,
enjoyable experience for all members, including children. “Abolishing animal sacrifices and
introducing alternative sacrifice rituals using fruits and vegetables will re-establish kul pujas as
important, fun and positive experiences.”

In its letter to the one of the clans organizing committees who practice animal sacrifice on
Buddha Jyanti, AWNN writes: “It is your committee’s mission is to promote the unity among
and welfare of your clan members and society as a whole. Outdated practices based on
superstition we trust are not part of your mandate. Nevertheless your clan is a key
implementer of animal sacrifice, a practice that promotes superstition and violence and
prevents Nepal from becoming a truly advanced country.”

According to the campaigner sanimal sacrifices harm society as a whole as it signals and
normalizes insensitivity in children who can become numb to the suffering of living beings, and
it is also known to influence certain people to commit violence on other humans. “Now that the
armed conflict has ended Nepal needs peaceful practices that educate the next generation for
a harmonious society,” AWNN argues.

For more information:

Pramada Shah, President, 98510-41103

Mahesh Sharma, Campaign Coordinator, 9841-487967