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DOGS WITH WINGS
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Farm near Ilford and about 30 acres of the surrounding meadowlands have been purchased for the purpose, and the buildings are now being actually transformed into those required for the aforesaid work of mercy. I do not know whether the arrangement will meet with the approval of the = * * or not : but if it should, the only difference between it and the work of the Jaina philanthropist would be that in regard to the religion or nationality of the founders, the one being a Christian and the other a Jaina, the one an English woman, the other but a native of India !
But there is the other charge against this Indian friend of the duinb brute, namely, that he is trying to teach the principles of vegetarianism to the canine fraternity. Perhaps, Mr. Editor, you are rot a vegetarian yourself, and so I will not now enter into the broader question that concerns itself with the issue between vegetarianism and meat-eating : but will merely content myself by asking you whether sou thought it possible for a man who regarded flesh as poison for the soul and its use as cruel and inhumane, and who would not touch it himself on any account, to feed his animals on it? If he would not sanction the slaughtering of an animal for his own use, would you expect him to do so to feed his dogs ?
I am a Jaina myself, and would, if my circumstances permitted it, feel proud to do what Mr. Arjun Lalshet of your article has done even though I may be told subsequently that a not quite unfriendly English Journal was likely to regard my action as a mad attempt to induce animals to adopt a vegetarian menu. I am writing this because I feel that there is need to vindicate the humanitarian motive of a Jaina benefactor, and also because I did not quite like the way in which the editorial pen of an increasingly popular Journal, like the ...... had glided in this instance. I am sure you will not* find it in your heart to refuse me space for this.
* I regret to have to record that the worthy editor did actually find it in his heart to refuse to publish the letter.
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