Thaindian News

Mumbai, Sep 8 (IANS) An animal rights activist was Thursday dragged out of an international conference when she protested the abuse of bulls for transporting petrol here in Maharshtra.

Kriti Sachdeva, an activist of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), protested the use of bullock carts for carrying oil by petroleum companies, said a spokesman for the animal rights organization.

“Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum (HP) and Bharat Petroleum (BP) support cruelty to bulls. Despite a ban, these companies transport their oil by more than 500 exploited bulls in Mumbai. Shame!” chanted Sachdeva.

Sachdeva jumped on the stage at the Hotel Taj Lands End, Bandra, where the Oil and Gas Review Summit and International Exhibition was in progress.

“Indian Oil, BP, HP: Stop Supporting Cruelty to Bulls,” said the banner that Sachdeva was carrying.

The spokesperson claimed many in the audience cheered her.

The state government had decided to phase out the use of bullock carts for transporting kerosene by March 2009, he said.

PETA recently filed a case in the Bombay High Court seeking directions to the union ministry of petroleum and the oil companies to immediately implement the ban.

“Despite this ban, approximately 524 bullocks are still used to transport kerosene from oil ports in Sewri and Wadala to different rationing shops in the city.

“These animals endure tremendous suffering - many bullocks are underweight and ill, are kept in filthy conditions and are forced to work beyond their physical capabilities, pulling heavy loads in all weather extremes,” the spokesperson told IANS.

Many suffer from gall caused by pressure from the yoke, maggot-infested wounds, infected sores, acute or chronic arthritis and intestinal problems, he added.