London, England - A Hindu leader compared government animal welfare officials to fascists today as an elderly bullock with suspected bovine tuberculosis (bTB) was slaughtered.
One month after the slaughter of Shambo the sacred bullock, also confirmed as having bTB, officials were back at the West Wales religious community to deal with the bullock and a water buffalo
The monks lost a two-month legal campaign to save the sacred bullock, Shambo
The Government vet and 10 officials were greeted by up to 80 Hindus chanting in peaceful protest.
Bhakti, the 16-year-old Jersey bullock at the Skanda Vale religious community in Llanpumsaint, has suffered from chronic arthritis for years.
Brother Michael, a senior monk at the community, stood in silent prayer as the lethal injection was administered.
He said: "These animals are part of the family here, to us all life is sacred.
"This bullock is old and suffers from arthritis and cannot walk more than a metre but he has been lovingly cared for and he knows he is loved."
He added: "I understand now how the Jews must have felt in Nazi Germany waiting for fascist soldiers to knock on the door and then seeing a family member taken away to their death."
The Welsh Assembly Government confirmed yesterday that the bullock and a young water buffalo called Dakshini, which both tested positive for bTB, would be slaughtered.
Hindu leaders had agreed that they would not impede officials.
But Brother Alex, a monk at the community, confronted Government vet Alan Huxtable and asked him to justify the test and slaughter policy.
"It does not work. This is not a solution, killing can never be a solution. The only long-term solution is widespread vaccination."
Mr Huxtable said: "I do appreciate your views and you have expressed them very clearly but I do have a job to do.
"I appreciate the fact that you do not intend to obstruct us. With regard to policy I can only refer you to the Welsh Assembly Government."
Afterwards the team moved onto a field where the water buffalo was roaming with a small herd.
"These animals are very docile because all they have had all their lives is good treatment. The animals come to them out of trust because they have no fear," said Brother Tim, a monk at the community.
"They are not dangerous animals and these officials are very efficient at what they do, that is the chilling thing.
"But there is no heart in what they do. They have no love for the animals and they are coming into a monastery to kill.
"I think today is a sad day not just for the community here but the Welsh Assembly Government.
"To the Government killing has become an easy solution. If you have a problem then kill it. That is very sad."
Last month the police were forced to physically remove supporters of the community who took part in the peaceful protest against the removal and slaughter of Shambo. It followed a two-month battle in the courts.
Brother Tim said: "What we all hope is that the death of these animals will add to the momentum to a change of policy, and for a new look at the way things are done."