UNI

Lucknow, Aug 8: People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is pressing for international boycott of Indian leather due to the 'ruthless' treatment of cattle, especially cows meant for the slaughter houses.

"Our investigations spanning seven yrs reveal that Indian animals used for leather are transported in crowded conditions that their bones often break and they often suffocate or die en route to slaughter,'' PETA India Coordinator Campaigns and Legal Affairs N G Jayasimha told UNI here on Tuesday.

He alleged the animals are dragged, beaten, and cruelly and illegally mishandled. ''At all municipal slaughterhouses, animals are slaughtered in full view of each other, which is illegal.'' Mr Jayasimha maintained as a result of the ''unacceptable abuse'' of animals, many international retailers, including retail giants Liz Claiborne and Kenneth Cole, are boycotting leather from Indian animals.

"India's leather industry is a national disgrace. Animals are being beaten, deprived of food and water and illegally slaughtered, while the government looks the other way.''  Jayasimha was here in connection with a roadshow on the eve of 'Rakshabandhan' urging people to boycott leather. A PETA activist dressed as a cow ''Gouri'' tied 'rakhis' on the hands of on-lookers.

On behalf of her sisters, Gouri pleaded the people of Lucknow and the government to protect them from being crammed into vehicles in such high numbers, that makes their bones break and having their throats slashed for leather.

"Cow is regarded as sacred in India, which is all the more important, that the animal is given proper treatment during its life span,'' Jayasimha observed.

He urged the central government to frame strict laws to bring about a 'sanity' in the backward linkages to the leather industry.

PETA also handed out leaflets for sensitising people on the issue and ''expose the cruel treatment of animals for their skins.'' PETA India's campaign has gained the support of celebrities all over the world, including the Dalai Lama, Sir Paul McCartney, Pamela Anderson and Jackie Chan, he added.