After receiving much ridicule online and in other spaces, the Animal Welfare Board of India has withdrawn its appeal to hug a cow on February 14, Valentine’s Day. In its appeal, it urged “cow lovers” in the country to celebrate the occasion as “Cow Hug Day”. However, in its latest communication on Friday, February 10, the board said, “As directed by the Competent Authority and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the appeal issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India for celebration of Cow Hug Day on 14th February, 2023 stands withdrawn.”
The AWBI, in its earlier communication on February 6, made the appeal for a “cow hug day” stating that hugging the animal will bring “emotional richness” thus increasing “our individual and collective happiness”. In its notification, the board also went on to talk about the qualities of the cow, which it referred to as “the backbone of Indian cultural and rural economy”.
“We all know that the Cow sustains our life, represents cattle wealth and biodiversity. It is known as ‘Kamdhenu’ and ‘Gaumata’ because of its nourishing nature like mother, the giver of all providing riches to humanity,” the AWBI notification had said.
"Roses are red.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) February 9, 2023
Violets are blue.
Will you be my Valentine?"
"Moo moo moo".
Looking forward to #CowHugging Day
Let that sink in! #CowHugging pic.twitter.com/RCfReo9fRa
— இசை (@isai_) February 9, 2023
#CowHugging
— Uorfi (@uorfi_) February 9, 2023
Cow ki bhi consent hona zaroori hai boss pic.twitter.com/ZdHMyw0OfO