Understanding the Impact of Animal Slaughter in India
The Scale of Slaughterhouses in India
India is home to approximately 3,600 licensed slaughterhouses authorized by the government, alongside over 35,000 smaller, illegal operations. Despite the scale of this industry, there seems to be little oversight.
Each year, around 40 million animals, including cows, buffaloes, pigs, goats, and camels, are slaughtered. The exact number of chickens killed remains unrecorded. The meat produced from these animals is consumed by a significant portion of the population, with about 20% of Indians being regular meat eaters.
In addition to meat, animal fat is extracted, known as tallow. For instance, fat derived from beef is referred to as beef tallow, while that from pork is called pork tallow.
Uses of Animal By-products
This tallow is predominantly used in the production of facial creams such as Fair & Lovely and Ponds, which are purchased by cosmetic companies. Notably, a case was won in the Madras High Court against Fair & Lovely, where the company admitted to using pig fat in their products.
After extracting meat and fat, blood is also collected from the animals. Slaughterers hang the animals upside down and cut their throats, allowing the blood to drain into containers. This blood is extensively used in the production of allopathic medicines, such as dexorange, which is prescribed to women during pregnancy to combat anemia.
Moreover, blood is utilized in the manufacturing of lipsticks and even in some tea products. Some companies mix dried blood with tea dust to enhance color, while others use it in nail polish.
Bone and Leather Products
Following the extraction of meat, fat, and blood, bones are processed into powder for use in toothpaste brands like Colgate and Pepsodent. The bones are collected, dried, and ground into a fine powder before being sold to companies.
Additionally, bones are now being used in talcum powder, as they are cheaper than traditional talc. The price difference makes bone powder an attractive option for manufacturers.
The skin of cows is primarily used to make cricket balls, with calfskin being the preferred material. Footballs also utilize cowhide, and leather is widely used in the production of shoes, bags, and belts.
The Broader Market for Animal Products
The slaughter of cows and similar animals yields five main products: meat for consumption, fat for cosmetics, blood for medicines and other products, bones for various uses, and leather for manufacturing.
With 35,000 slaughterhouses operating and millions of animals killed annually, the market for these products is substantial. The by-products are sold and utilized across various industries.
Furthermore, internal organs, such as the intestines, are processed into gelatin, which is widely used in ice creams, chocolates, and capsules. Gelatin is also found in many food products, including popular fast foods.
Despite claiming to be vegetarian, many unknowingly consume products derived from animal slaughter, which raises ethical concerns about dietary choices.
Consumer Awareness and Ethical Choices
It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the origins of the products they use. Advertisements often promote items that may not be of high quality, leading to unintentional consumption of animal-derived ingredients.
One should be cautious about the products they bring into their homes, especially those heavily advertised. Traditional items like cow ghee or neem sticks often lack the marketing hype but are of superior quality.
The advertising industry often employs tactics to influence consumer behavior, making it essential to remain vigilant and informed about product ingredients.