Calling cows ‘stray’ banned in India

An Indian state has banned using a term ‘stray’ for cows as the animal is considered sacred in Hinduism.

The Rajasthan government, in an order, has banned using the word ‘stray’ for cows and other bovines in the state as its use is insulting and inappropriate.

The order said that the use of words like ‘helpless’ or ‘destitute’ should be encouraged for the animal that are roaming on their own.

Rajasthan Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Joraram Kumawat, earlier in July, said that cows in the state will not be called ‘stray’ and that the term ‘nirashit‘ (destitute) will be used to call the animal.