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be even better, one can avoid the use of milk, wool, leather and silk in daily use. There are some who argue that because dairy products, wool, and other animal products do not necessarily involve suffering (these products can, it is claimed, be produced “humanely; the animal is not killed'); these products are different from flesh. But under the very best of circumstances, there is suffering involved in the production of these products, and the death of animals is a necessary aspect of any industry or practice that uses animals. We have an obligation to take care of the domesticated animals we have brought into existence. But we should not continue to bring more into existence or to create a demand for animal products. To do so cannot be reconciled with the principle of Ahimsa. Please allow me to share some sad details about what was witnessed and documented on a sheep farm in the town of Smeaton in Victoria, Australia: "Bodies of dead and dying sheep littered the farm's fields, some being eaten alive by maggots. One ram was found sitting alone in an apparent state of shock. He was away from his flock, too weak to move, and trembling. The ram had been "mulesed,” left with a broad chunk of flesh cut from his backside in a crude and painful attempt to stop flies from laying their eggs in the moist folds of his wrinkled skin.” My brothers and sisters, so far I have described how sheep are treated and wool is produced in Australia and other countries but I must submit that conditions and cruelty to sheep in India is no less; in fact it is lot worse than the countries I have described above. You will be shocked to see the torture if you ever decide to take a tour and see the whole situation with your own eyes. I guarantee, just do it once and you will never use silk and wool again. ALTERNATIVES: Instead of shopping for heavy, itchy wool socks and mittens or expensive angoras or cashmere sweaters, choose garments made with more light weight and colorful
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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