Animal rights organizations and netizens divided over the incident.
Dehradun : The Kedarnath Yatra, a popular pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, has been marred by controversy as a video showing horses allegedly being fed intoxicants to enhance their strength has gone viral on social media. The shocking footage has sparked outrage among viewers, leading to a divided response from both animal rights organizations and netizens.
The video, which surfaced amidst the arrival of a record number of devotees in Kedarnath-Badrinath, showcases horses and mules carrying pilgrims along a challenging path. In the video, it is claimed that the animals are being given cannabis-filled cigarettes, forcing them to consume intoxicants. The clip quickly gained traction on social media platforms, causing people's blood to boil in anger.
Responding to the public outcry, the Rudraprayag police have registered an FIR (First Information Report) regarding the incident. Efforts are underway to locate and seize the horse in question, with the support of People for Animals (PFA) Uttarakhand. PETA India has expressed its commitment to assisting the authorities in any way necessary, as confirmed in a tweet.
However, amidst the growing condemnation, a counter-narrative has emerged. Some individuals argue that the video does not depict animal cruelty but instead reveals a practice of administering mountain home remedies to address stomach issues faced by horses during the strenuous journey. According to this perspective, the substance administered to the horses is not a drug but a remedy aimed at alleviating their discomfort.
The conflicting opinions on the matter have divided netizens, with one user taking to Twitter to defend the practice. They assert that the horses experience stomach problems due to the continuous lifting and walking involved in the journey, and the substance is administered as a traditional remedy. They argue that this does not qualify as animal cruelty.
As investigations continue into the incident, authorities are working to establish the truth behind the viral video. It remains to be seen whether the horse in question was subjected to cruelty or if the substance administered was indeed a home remedy.
The controversy surrounding the video has brought the treatment of animals during the Kedarnath Yatra into the spotlight. Calls for increased vigilance and stricter regulations to ensure the well-being of animals involved in such pilgrimages have grown louder.
As the investigation progresses, concerned citizens and animal rights organizations hope for a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of animals while respecting the cultural and religious significance of the Kedarnath Yatra.
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