Chennai, March 14: Responding to a boycott threat to Indian leather from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has stated that it is playing a facilitators' role in animal welfare reform programmes to safeguard animal rights, and is ready to join hands with Peta also to fight against cruelty towards animals. In his reply to Peta president Ms Ingrid E Newkirk, Mr MM Hashim, CLE chairman, said: `Peta's focus on the leather industry was based on its belief that the industry has the capacity to influence changes in the country at the policy level.''Peta, appalled by the cruelty inflicted on animals during transportation to and in the slaughter houses in India, had earlier asked CLE to act to end cruelty to animals or face global boycott. Demonstrations too were held last year and CLE was given an ultimatum for setting things right and Peta had suspended agitations against Indian leather in May 2000. It has threatened to resume more severe action against Indian leather and written a letter to Mr Hashim to that effect.
In a press release issued here, Mr Hashim says the best CLE can do is to play the role of a facilitator in animal welfare reform schemes and the council has been actively involved in drawing up and facilitating a programme for reform in the way animals are treated during transportation and slaughter.
``While CLE remains a facilitator, the government of India has initiated serious steps in this complex matter. It is a fact that my personal commitment on this issue runs deep. And it will remain that way. I regret that you found it necessary to adopt such a strident tone in your letter'', Hashim has told Ms Ingrid.
CLE has drawn up a seven-point plan for the state governments and all official machinery concerned. They are: Appreciation of the magnitude of the problem and urgent need for remedial measures; amendments in legislation; focus on cattle transport and education and training programmes.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
