RSPCA accused of 'religious sacrilege' after cow killed at Hindu temple

A cow kept at a Hindu temple once owned by former Beatle George Harrison was secretly killed by the RSPCA yesterday, Hindu groups have claimed.

Gauri Das, leader of the Hindu Community at Bhaktivedanta Manor temple in Hertfordshire, said that the cow was given a lethal injection this morning while worshippers were at prayer. Hindus consider cows to be sacred and killing them sacrilegious and temple officials are now considering legal action against the RSPCA over its actions.



Mr Das said police bundled away monks who were attending to the sick animal at the farm attached to the temple in Hertfordshire. He accused RSPCA officials of distracting the head farmer at the Hare Krishna temple while the injection was administered to Gangotri, a 13-year-old Belgian Blue-Jersey Cross. “This is shocking and duplicitous behaviour. We have been deceived by those who had given us their word,” Mr Das said.

The RSPCA confirmed that a cow at the temple had been “euthanised” to prevent further suffering. “This animal has been in constant pain and suffering for some time,” the animal protection group said in a statement. “We know the cow has been suffering from painful and infected sores, her limbs had become wasted and her breathing difficult.” Three separate vets had concluded that the animal should be “euthanised” immediately.