Today during a walk my friend Harbhajan asked me a very pointed question as to why he cannot keep a cow as a pet in his ground floor flat which has a good lawn and a shed. He further brought out that while many residents are keeping dogs as pets and dogs are quite a nuisance since some of them bark incessantly and disturb others and also create nuisance by pooping here and there, a cow is a very docile animal and it should pose no problem in keeping a cow as pet.
It reminded me about a real story narrated by one of my senior officer from the Army life where during British India Army days one Indian captain decided to keep a cub of a leopard as a pet as against British officers keeping dogs as pets. The confusion got compounded when he decided to bring his leopard to the polo match where all the pet dogs of British officers got scared and ran away. Of course, the Indian officer got a firing from his commanding officer and was told to dispose off his pet else disciplinary action was taken against him.
Though their is nothing in the housing society rules regarding keeping a cow as a pet or a milch animal and it may be possible for people to keep a cow in a residential colony, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, cows are much larger and require more space and resources than dogs. They also have specific dietary needs that must be met in order for them to remain healthy.
In addition, while cows may be revered in Indian culture, they are not necessarily seen as suitable pets for many urban households. It is important to consider the specific cultural and social context in which these animals are kept and to be respectful of the opinions and beliefs of others.
Furthermore, the laws and regulations surrounding the ownership of cows may vary depending on the country or region. In some places, owning a cow may require a special permit or license, and there may be restrictions on the type of property where cows can be kept.
That being said, there are certainly many benefits to keeping cows as pets. In addition to providing milk and manure, they can also be a source of companionship and comfort. Cow’s urine is considered as medicine for many diseases in Indian Ayurvedic medical system. For those who value the spiritual significance of cows, keeping them as pets may be a way to honor and connect with this aspect of their culture.
Ultimately, the decision to keep a cow as a pet should be made with careful consideration of the practical and cultural implications, as well as the needs and well-being of the animal itself.
Guchi.
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