PETA India urges government to ban meat advertisements

PETA India has formally requested the Indian government to implement a nationwide ban on meat advertisements across all media platforms, including television, billboards, and online channels, effective from October 2. In a letter addressed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the organization argued that such a move would honor Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of ahimsa, or non-violence.

The organization cited several justifications for the ban, including animal welfare concerns, environmental protection, and public health risks. PETA India highlighted investigations into slaughter and transportation practices, alleging cruel handling of livestock and improper slaughter methods.

Furthermore, the group raised concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance and the potential for infectious diseases, such as H5N1 bird flu, to spread through intensive animal farming. They noted that global antimicrobial use is heavily concentrated in food-producing animals and cited projections suggesting antimicrobial resistance could lead to significant mortality in India by 2050. The organization also pointed to meat-free dining trends, such as those observed during the BRICS Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and similar advertising restrictions in various European cities.