Target: Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, India
Goal: Ensure alleged animal abusers during Kedarnath Yatra are held accountable and implement stronger protections for animals used in pilgrimage services.
A distressing video shared on the social media platform X reportedly shows a donkey collapsing under the heavy burden of carrying pilgrims’ belongings during the Kedarnath Yatra. The incident has reignited discussions about the suspected exploitation of animals in pilgrimage sites, sparking outrage from netizens who demand an end to such cruelty.
This video is just one of many examples of the reported suffering endured by animals on pilgrimage journeys. In 2023 alone, multiple cases of animal abuse were reported in the Rudraprayag district, with donkeys, horses, and other animals being overworked to the point of collapse. Despite some action by the authorities, cases of animal mistreatment continue to occur.
Animal rights activists have long advocated for change, urging pilgrims to refrain from using animals for personal benefit. These animals, reportedly forced to carry heavy loads through treacherous mountainous paths, suffer immensely due to exhaustion and allegedly improper care. Take immediate action.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear CM Dhami,
I am writing to bring to your attention the recent video that surfaced online, reportedly depicting a donkey collapsing under a heavy load during the Kedarnath Yatra. This incident highlights the seemingly ongoing exploitation of animals at pilgrimage sites, despite past efforts to curb such abuse.
Animals like donkeys and horses endure extreme conditions while carrying pilgrims’ belongings on treacherous routes. Many of these animals are apparently subjected to inhumane treatment, overworked to the point of collapse, and denied proper care.
While efforts have been made in the past to address these issues, it is clear that stricter enforcement is needed to prevent such reported abuse from happening again. I urge you to take swift action against those responsible for this alleged cruelty and implement stronger regulations to protect the welfare of animals used in pilgrimage services.
This is not only about upholding the law but also about preserving the dignity and wellbeing of innocent animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Vaupk12
20 Signatures