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Hindu monks serve papers on RSPCA Hindu monks serve papers on RSPCA
(10 minutes later)
Hindu monks are to sue the RSPCA over the killing of a sacred cow at a Hertfordshire temple.Hindu monks are to sue the RSPCA over the killing of a sacred cow at a Hertfordshire temple.
Six monks walked into the charity's HQ in Horsham, West Sussex, to serve them with papers to start legal proceedings over the death of Gangotri. Six monks went to the charity's HQ in Horsham, West Sussex, to serve papers and they threatened to start legal proceedings over the death of Gangotri.
The Belgian blue-jersey cross was kept at Bhaktivedanta Manor temple, Watford.The Belgian blue-jersey cross was kept at Bhaktivedanta Manor temple, Watford.
The monks claim while they were praying, an RSPCA vet put the cow down, last December. An RSPCA spokesman said they avoided worship times. The monks said while they were praying, an RSPCA vet put the cow down, last December. An RSPCA spokesman said they had avoided worship times.
However, campaigners claim the killing was illegal and took place while members of Europe's largest Hindu temple were at worship. Campaigners also claim the killing was illegal and took place while members of Europe's largest Hindu temple were at worship.
The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed Temple president Gauri dasThe cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed Temple president Gauri das
Standing outside the charity's reception, Gauri das, temple president at Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: "The RSPCA unlawfully trespassed on temple property and unlawfully trespassed on the life of a cow.Standing outside the charity's reception, Gauri das, temple president at Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: "The RSPCA unlawfully trespassed on temple property and unlawfully trespassed on the life of a cow.
"The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed."The cow was under veterinary care and was recovering. There was absolutely no reason for her to be killed.
"We are asking the RSPCA to accept full liability for this act. They deceived us and should accept responsibility, otherwise we will be forced to sue," he added."We are asking the RSPCA to accept full liability for this act. They deceived us and should accept responsibility, otherwise we will be forced to sue," he added.
Cows are sacred to followers of the Hindu religion, and the killing of one is considered sacrilege.Cows are sacred to followers of the Hindu religion, and the killing of one is considered sacrilege.
'No legal proceedings'
The RSPCA state they informed staff what would happen and avoided killing the cow during prayer hours.The RSPCA state they informed staff what would happen and avoided killing the cow during prayer hours.
At the time of her death, Gangotri had been injured for more than a year and suffered from bed sores because she could no longer stand.At the time of her death, Gangotri had been injured for more than a year and suffered from bed sores because she could no longer stand.
An RSPCA spokesman said the 13-year-old cow was suffering and added vets had advised the she should be put down. RSPCA spokesperson Becky Hawkes told the BBC that no legal proceedings have been commenced against the charity by Bhaktivedanta Manor in relation to Gangotri the cow.
John Rolls, of the RSPCA, said: "We acted properly, within the law, but clearly they are of a different opinion. I think the issue could be addressed through dialogue rather than the courts and it is unfortunate they are taking this action." "We have received a letter today, though no legal proceedings have been started against us," she said.
Mr Rolls said the RSPCA was brought in by a veterinary surgeon who was concerned Gangotri was suffering and this was confirmed by two independent vets. "The letter asks us to admit liability for trespass to land and trespass to property, however, we entered the property accompanied by the police who were holding a valid warrant.
"We acted properly, within the law, and on the advice of three independent vets who said Gangotri was in constant pain and should be put to sleep immediately."