Govardhana Farms, and organization dedicated to the protection of cows and bulls from abuse was first established in April 2015. Basing it’s operations on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, we would like to demonstrate a way of living in which the cows, bulls and calves are able to live peacefully and in harmony alongside their human friends and caregivers.
In October 2015 we saved our first cow and bull-calf from a local dairy farm; they were both about to be sent for slaughter. Since then, more cows and calves were saved from slaughter. All of our herd members are given a safe and loving home in which to live until the end of their natural lives. Here they receive everything that they need and deserve.
In April 2017 we relocated from Hasting, Ontario, Canada to Moundsville, West Virginia, USA. Joining the New Vrindaban farm community, we continue our operation together with many other dedicated ISKCON devotees.
Our purposes
The purpose of ISKCON Govinda’s Herd is threefold: (1) to operate a cow sanctuary that is based on religious principles, (2) to offer educational programmes covering such topics as the importance of cow protection, training bulls to work the land, and more; and (3) to promote cruelty-free farming.
(1) Religious Principles:
At ISKCON Govinda’s Herd all our operations are based upon the philosophy presented in the Vedic scriptures and followed by the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This philosophy places cow protection as an inseparable part of religious life and a prosperous society. According to Vedic philosophy, slaughtering of the cow and bull is unheard of. Providing milk to humans, the cow, is considered one of our mothers and the bull with which one can work the land and produce foodstuffs is considered one of our fathers. Therefore, for those who follow the Vedic scriptures, the protection of the cow and bull is part of their everyday religious practices. ISKCON Govinda’s Herd would like to be able to provide ISKCON members as well as the Hindu, Jain and other followers of the Vedic scriptures a place where they can express their devotional practices through the protection and maintenance of cows and bulls.
(2) Educational Programmes:
The daily activities on our farm, in and of themselves, will demonstrate the benefits and practicality of cow protection. Yet, to further promote understanding, we will be offering educational seminars and activities on the following topics: the importance of cow protection, how to train the bull to work the land, benefits of all cow and bull by-products (such as manure and urine) for cultivation of the land, and more. We hope to raise awareness among the general public regarding the benefits to be derived from cow and bull protection on the environment, social interactions and our own personal health.
We believe that all animals have the right to be protected from maltreatment and slaughter. At ISKCON Govinda’s Herd, cows, bulls, and their offspring, as well as other animals on our property, will be cared for until the end of their natural lives, never to be slaughtered. Special attention will be given to all animals under our care, and we will provide them with a high quality of life: Sufficient grazing fields will be available during the spring, summer and fall months, and hay will be available all year long. Veterinary care will be offered to all animals and nothing will be held back in order to ensure proper treatment of injuries and disease; euthanasia will never be an option. In this way, anyone who is interested in the protection of animals will be able to participate in the activities of animal protection.
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