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Shambo 'likely to face slaughter' Shambo 'likely to face slaughter'
(about 1 hour later)
The "sacred" bullock Shambo which tested positive for bovine TB is likely to be slaughtered, despite a campaign to keep him alive by Hindu monks. The "sacred" bullock Shambo which tested positive for bovine TB is likely to be slaughtered, despite a campaign to keep him alive.
In a statement on Tuesday, rural affairs minister Jane Davidson said she was minded to proceed with the order to put down Shambo. On Tuesday, rural affairs minister, Jane Davidson said she was minded to proceed with an order to put him down.
A slaughter order for Shambo was first made early in May. A slaughter order in May, caused outcry among Hindus and others at the multi-faith Skanda Vale community.
She has written to Hindu monks in Skanda Vale, Carmarthenshire, giving them a week to make representations. The Many Names of God is a monastic centre which embraces all faiths and includes three Hindu shrines.
In the statement, Ms Davidson said: "It's very sensitive and we have to recognise how difficult this issue is. The six-year-old black Friesian tested positive for bovine TB during a routine screening on 27 April.
"I am acutely aware of the distress that this will cause not only to the community, but also to many in the wider Hindu community. But Hindu monks at the multi-faith temple in Llanpumpsaint, launched a worldwide campaign to save the animal, saying it was contrary to their faith and its killing would desecrate the temple.
There are still tests he can undergo that would indicate whether he actually has TB, that is not conclusive Sanjay Mistray
Skanda Vale's lawyers were told of Ms Davidson's' decision regarding Shambo on Monday evening when they were told to make final representations by Friday.
Speaking on behalf of the community Sanjay Mistray said: "It would mean Shambo is slaughtered next Monday.
"Hopefully we can still get them to change their mind. What is disappointing is that they have refused to allow anyone else to examine Shambo.
"There are still tests he can undergo that would indicate whether he actually has TB, that is not conclusive. "At the moment he is in perfect health and shows no sign of illness."
'Peaceful protest'
He added: "We've said from the outset that we are willing to work with the Welsh Assembly and Defra to find a practical solution.
"I would be very disappointed if they did not take on board our suggestions, such as treatment.
"The first step now for us is to continue with the legal approach and try to get an injunction to overturn this decision.
"If that fails we will be left with no other option but to continue with peaceful protest."
I am acutely aware of the distress that this will cause not only to the community, but also to many in the wider Hindu community Rural development minister Jane Davidson
Ms Davidson has said it is policy that cattle tested positive for TB should be slaughtered to protect public and animal health even though it was a "sensitive" issue.
"I am acutely aware of the distress that this will cause not only to the community, but also to many in the wider Hindu community," she said.
"We have considered long and hard the case that the community (at Skanda Vale) has made, and officials met representatives of the community and members of the wider Hindu community last week to discuss matters.""We have considered long and hard the case that the community (at Skanda Vale) has made, and officials met representatives of the community and members of the wider Hindu community last week to discuss matters."
The Welsh Assembly Government has been under pressure from vets and opposition politicians to have Shambo put down.The Welsh Assembly Government has been under pressure from vets and opposition politicians to have Shambo put down.
But campaigners have warned they will try and save the animal by forming a human chain around the site where it was kept in isolation. Campaigners at Skanda Vale, have warned that they will try and save the animal by forming a human chain around the site where it was kept in isolation.
Monks at Skanda Vale have said killing Shambo would violate their religious principles. The community has said a petition has attracted 17,381 names and a video stream was broadcast live from Shambo's pen in the temple.
The multi-faith community has said a petition has attracted 17,381 names and a video stream was broadcast live from Shambo's pen in the temple.
The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) welcomed Ms Davidson's decision to apply the normal bovine TB policy regarding Shambo.The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) welcomed Ms Davidson's decision to apply the normal bovine TB policy regarding Shambo.
FUW President Gareth Vaughan said: "We fully appreciate that there have been delicate legal matters that needed careful consideration by the minister which have meant that this case has not been straight forward."