Achievements
To date, every year since its inception, BWC has achieved some thing!
To see ALL our Achievements please click here.
Our Achievements from 2021 - to date are:
Standard Operating Procedure to prevent death of Lions on Railway tracks
The Live-stock and Live-stock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023, withdrawn
Thousands of Banganga Tank Fish Saved
Illegal Camel Trafficking & Slaughter Halted
Sale of Catapults Curtailed
Milk of Plant Origin
Plan Bee Saved Elephants
Victorias without Horses for Joy-Rides in Mumbai
Elephants Rides at Amer Fort to be phased out
Camel Sacrifices halted in Uttar Pradesh
Dog Meat banned in Nagaland
Killing of Raptors in Punjab stopped
Elephants Rides at Amer Fort to be phased out
Subsequent to an application regarding captive elephants filed in the Supreme Court by the WRRC with financial support from BWC, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change recommended in their Health Investigation Report of Captive Elephants at Amer and Haathi Gaon in Jaipur that “In a phased manner the elephant rides in Amer Fort may be withdrawn and switched over to other modes of transportation like electric or battery operated vehicles. The declining trend of tourists on elephant rides and ageing animals are indicators for changes. The owners of the elephants also may be rehabilitated suitably in such situations. New addition of elephants for rides should be completely banned.”
No Camel Sacrificed
Not a single camel was slaughtered in India for Bakri Eid 2020. BWC wrote to the Prime Minister, and Chief Ministers with copies to all District Magistrates and Police of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala, because in the past camels had either being killed or appeals had been made for their sacrifice in these states. We sent them the landmark Judgement of the Madras High Court and requested them to stop entry, sale and slaughter of camels. Meanwhile, Rajasthan assured us they would stop camels being smuggled out. Since the Border Security Force was short of camels, in 2014 the state had passed laws for their protection. BWC also approached the Animal Welfare Board of India following which a circular was issued by the Secretary to all states’ Chief Secretaries, Director Generals of Police and Animal Husbandry Directors.
Dog Meat banned in Nagaland
Immediately China removed dogs from being classified as livestock, in May 2020 BWC approached the state government of Nagaland again to also ensure that the rearing of dogs and cats for meat and their consumption stops. Within a month the state cabinet decided to ban commercial import and trading of dogs and dog markets and also the sale of dog meat. Unfortunately in June 2023 the Gauhati HC quashed the Nagaland dog meat ban.
Killing of Raptors in Punjab stopped
Upon informing the Wildlife Department that pigeon fanciers were hunting and killing raptors in Punjab, they promptly investigated and filed 24 FIRs against the culprits so that such illegal killing of raptors to save pigeons was stopped.
Camel Sacrifices halted in Uttar Pradesh
BWC approached over 55 persons including the Prime Minister of India, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, District Magistrates, Bureaucrats and Police personnel of Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Animal Welfare Board of India and many others in the UP administration requesting them to stop the slaughter of camels that occur two days after Bakri Eid. We succeeded in as much that the state government ensured that a mandi where hundreds of camels were traded for sacrifice each year before the festival was not organised in Mau, the Police located 5 camels in Varanasi and 22 in Meerut with the help of camera drones, 2 more were rescued from Jaunpur, and all sent back to Rajasthan.
Feeding Live Calves to Lions at Gir stopped again
Following a complaint from BWC to the Gujarat government about live calves being again illegally fed to Gir Lions, a member specially checked that the practice had recently been stopped.
50% Less Animals Sacrificed at Gadhimai Mela, Nepal
Again in 2014, about 50% buffaloes, goats and chickens from India that were scheduled to be killed were saved.
Nevertheless in July 2015, it was a victory for animal rights activists when under pressure of a Supreme Court of Nepal injunction won on 24 November 2014 by the Nepal Animal Welfare & Research Center, the Secretary of the Gadhimai Temple Trust declared “We have decided to completely stop the practice of animal sacrifice.”
Ban on Dhirio stays
Despite political efforts to repeal, the ban on Dhirio bull-fights in Goa, continue.
(Read about this achievement in 1998.)
Hinsa vs. Ahinsa e-mailers launched
Based on BWC’s motto, Hinsa vs. Ahinsa was launched on e-mail for our members and others, with the view of regularly creating an awareness on different aspects of animal exploitation.
Beauty Without Cruelty’s Phonetic Alphabet
| A | Animal | H | Horse | O | Ox | V | Vulture |
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| B | Bird | I | Insect | P | Parrot | W | Whale | ||
| C | Cow | J | Jaguar | Q | Queen bee | X | X-Ray fish | ||
| D | Dog | K | Kangaroo | R | Rabbit | Y | Yak | ||
| E | Elephant | L | Lion | S | Sheep | Z | Zebra | ||
| F | Fox | M | Monkey | T | Tiger | ||||
| G | Goat | N | Nightingale | U | Unicorn |
Animal Sacrifices Stopped
On the eve of Dassera 2006 BWC with the help of the Mumbai Police managed to convince people who planned to sacrifice sheep, goats and cocks at the Gaodevi Mandir on Amboli Hill, not to engage in animal slaughter.
Mass Publicity cum Education
In 2003 during the Pratishtha ceremony of a new Jain Temple at Palitana in Gujarat, BWC was requested by the trustees to put up a stall and it remained up for nearly a fortnight educating lakhs of persons. Telling and informative publicity materials have gone a long way in creating a public awareness of unknown cruelties inflicted upon animals for food, clothing, accessories, household goods, items for sports, entertainment, learning, medicine, research, religion, and so on.
Laws Protecting Animals
In 2002 special poster entitled “Laws Protecting Animals” was printed and distributed to the Police authorities to display in Maharashtra State.
Pledges
After a gap of 25 years, newly worded BWC Pledge forms in English and Hindi were circulated among members informing them it was entirely voluntary. The response indicated that veganism was catching on fast.
Hinsa vs. Ahinsa
Based on BWC’s motto, Hinsa vs. Ahinsa launched on e-mail a year earlier, was printed as a book and distributed to BWC members and others. The first edition till end of 2010 was also published on CD, uploaded on our BWC website and on the BWC page on Face book. It contained messages commemorating special days and themes pertaining to animal rights’ issues. (Every fortnight Hinsa vs. Ahinsa is e-mailed to members and others and once a year selected numbers are printed in a book for members.)
Veg/Non-veg Symbols on Carbonated Waters
As a result of BWC’s continuous appeals to the Government to make it mandatory for carbonated waters to also carry the veg/non-veg symbols, these symbols began being affixed by manufacturers on their drinks.
Foie gras withdrawn
Pâté de foie gras was on Air India’s first class passengers’ menu until 2008, when BWC objected to it. On getting the know that foie gras is the diseased livers of ducks and geese, obtained through force feeding, some top restaurants in Delhi and department stores promised not to serve or sell it.
Orkut deleted cruel Communities
In view of Orkut’s policy that they “did not allow violent text or images promoting animal cruelty” BWC approached Google Inc. and they deleted a few communities which narrated horrid stories of how they killed or tortured animals and encouraged others to do so.
Veg @ Lent Recipes
It was decided to annually print thousands of copies of a leaflet entitled Veg @ Lent containing vegan recipes and get them distributed through Churches during Lent. The recipe leaflet was also appreciated by others.
2009 onwards Veg @ Lent recipe leaflets can be downloaded from under Recipes on this website.
50% Less Animals Sacrificed at Gadhimai Mela, Nepal
Again in 2014, about 50% buffaloes, goats and chickens from India that were scheduled to be killed were saved.
Nevertheless in July 2015, it was a victory for animal rights activists when under pressure of a Supreme Court of Nepal injunction won on 24 November 2014 by the Nepal Animal Welfare & Research Center, the Secretary of the Gadhimai Temple Trust declared “We have decided to completely stop the practice of animal sacrifice.”
Ban on Dhirio stays
Despite political efforts to repeal, the ban on Dhirio bull-fights in Goa, continue.
(Read about this achievement in 1998.)
Hinsa vs. Ahinsa e-mailers launched
Based on BWC’s motto, Hinsa vs. Ahinsa was launched on e-mail for our members and others, with the view of regularly creating an awareness on different aspects of animal exploitation.
Beauty Without Cruelty’s Phonetic Alphabet
| A | Animal | H | Horse | O | Ox | V | Vulture |
|
|
| B | Bird | I | Insect | P | Parrot | W | Whale | ||
| C | Cow | J | Jaguar | Q | Queen bee | X | X-Ray fish | ||
| D | Dog | K | Kangaroo | R | Rabbit | Y | Yak | ||
| E | Elephant | L | Lion | S | Sheep | Z | Zebra | ||
| F | Fox | M | Monkey | T | Tiger | ||||
| G | Goat | N | Nightingale | U | Unicorn |
Animal Sacrifices Stopped
On the eve of Dassera 2006 BWC with the help of the Mumbai Police managed to convince people who planned to sacrifice sheep, goats and cocks at the Gaodevi Mandir on Amboli Hill, not to engage in animal slaughter.
Mass Publicity cum Education
In 2003 during the Pratishtha ceremony of a new Jain Temple at Palitana in Gujarat, BWC was requested by the trustees to put up a stall and it remained up for nearly a fortnight educating lakhs of persons. Telling and informative publicity materials have gone a long way in creating a public awareness of unknown cruelties inflicted upon animals for food, clothing, accessories, household goods, items for sports, entertainment, learning, medicine, research, religion, and so on.
Laws Protecting Animals
In 2002 special poster entitled “Laws Protecting Animals” was printed and distributed to the Police authorities to display in Maharashtra State.
Live Bait Not Used for Lion Census
In 2000, BWC had got to know that a Lion Census was planned at the Gir National Park and that calves would be utilised as live bait. In response to our protest, the Gujarat Chief Minister’s office assured us that live baits would not be used. However, as it so happened, the census was cancelled due to early, heavy rainfall!
A Vegetarian Lifestyle
BWC has over the years promoted reverence for all life – dogs and chickens alike. In keeping with its motto BWC – India came out in its 25th year (1999) with a publication (CD and book versions) entitled A Vegetarian Lifestyle. It covered all aspects of our lives and included brand names of packaged consumer products made as per BWC criteria. (Considerable information contained in the book has become out-dated.)
Alternative Learning Programs in Schools
In 1998 Compu-Program sets were donated to 170 State Government run schools and 17 Municipal Corporation schools in Tamil Nadu jointly by the Blue Cross of India and BWC.
Ban on Dhirio upheld and continues
In 1998 despite a High Court judgment banning dhirio (bull fights) in Goa there was a move to legalise them by amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Act which was stopped through the efforts of local bodies and BWC who immediately sent appeals to organizations and individuals in India and abroad requesting they write to the Prime Minister. Again in 2009 BWC’s efforts to stop dhirios being legalised in Goa bore fruit when the Congress MP who had moved an amendment to the PCA Act, 1960, to make bullfights legal was asked by the Union Minister of Environment & Forests to withdraw the bill from the Lok Sabha.
Elephant Show in Mudumalai Sanctuary Stopped
A persistent follow-up by BWC resulted in revealing the illegality of the Elephant Show (a circus within a sanctuary) at Mudumalai, and in 1998 the Government of India ordered it to be immediately stopped.
Export of Deer Antlers Banned
In 1998 export of manufactured articles and shavings of shed antlers of deer were prohibited by the Director General of Foreign Trade, Government of India. This was in response to representations made by BWC 1992 onwards. Along with shed antlers, hundreds of deer were illegally killed to meet the export demand.
Special Award from Mayaram Surjan Foundation to BWC for Compassionate Friend
BWC’s quarterly journal Compassionate Friend was first published in 1977. Distributed free to all members, it is the only animal rights magazine in India which contains unexaggerated and factual information. In 1998 the IInd All India House Journal Competition organized by the Mayaram Surjan Foundation (DNA Group) presented BWC with their Special Award in the category of publications for Non-Governmental Organizations.
Value Based Education
BWC was invited twice in 1997 by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources Development to submit its views on Value Based Education. BWC emphasized that reverence for life was a value of such fundamental importance that it was an essential factor in the development and promotion of many other important values. BWC recommended that immediate steps be taken by the Government of India for its implementation so that the next generation and generations which follow would positively benefit from it.
So-called “Humane Trap” Voted Against
In 1997, BWC approached the Director, Food & Agriculture, Bureau of Indian Standards concerning India’s stand to vote against the proposed standards of the so-called “humane trap” being promoted by ISO.
Cruelty to Fox averted
In 1997 BWC and CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, Bengaluru) worked together to get a court ruling with regard to a the religious custom in Karnataka of capturing and torturing a fox. Although the fox was captured, the cruelties that routinely followed were substantially reduced in as much that its ear was not pierced, it was not mauled by dogs and instead of stitching its mouth it was simply muzzled.
Ostrich Farming Stopped
In 1997 BWC led a public protest and letter writing campaign in Bengaluru against the setting up of ostrich farming in India. The support of the Karnataka State Forest Department had been obtained because the project had the potential to harm the environment and carry the risk of spreading disease. This was soon followed by the Chief Minister of Karnataka’s verbal assurance that “this government will not allow any projects that have the potential to harm the environment or cause disease” referring to the Congo fever problem in ostrich farming and the possibility of another bird flu case like in Hong Kong. Months later in July 1998, BWC along with the local residents of the village of Shirur in Maharashtra carried out another successful public awareness campaign against the setting up of an ostrich farm with the help of a Belgian collaboration.
Dissection made Optional in Gujarat Schools
BWC was one of the first organizations which during the 1980s seriously took up the issue of dissection in educational institutions. Finally in response to a petition supported by BWC and other organizations, a Delhi High Court judgment received in May 1997 ruled that School students have a right of choice whether or not to dissect living creatures.
Camel “Joy rides” Banned in Mumbai
In 1996 BWC played a leading role in obtaining a High Court ruling to stop the entry of camels into Mumbai and rehabilitated the existing ones in the Rajasthan desert so that the “joy rides” on Juhu Beach became history.
CZA directed Zoos to destroy Carcasses
In view of deer being mysteriously and frequently found dead in several zoos, suspecting poaching of antlers, in 1996 at the behest of BWC the Central Zoo Authority of India directed all zoos in the country to destroy, not auction carcases.
BWC Calendar
With the aim to create a greater awareness of animal rights, BWC began publishing an annual wall calendar for free distribution among members and others.
Halting Clandestine Trade in Wildlife
In 1995, BWC convinced the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) that animal carcasses should be disposed off and not auctioned and put back into circulation. Accordingly, the CZA issued a directive to all zoos in India that disposal of carcasses should be either burying or burning and that none of them should be skinned or made into trophies as it encourages clandestine trade in wildlife.
Film Censored
In 1994 BWC convinced the Central Board of Film Certification to censor certain parts of the film Betaaj Badshah in which the mouth of a leopard had been stitched for its performance.
BWC Investment Guide
In 1994 BWC published its first edition of its Investment Guide. Companies quoted on the Stock Exchange were categorized as per BWC criteria and listed accordingly.
“Pet” Libraries Closed
In 1993 BWC created awareness about the “unique” Pet Libraries which had sprouted up in a few cities and were enthusiastically but unthinkingly supported by animal lovers. They took pride in loaning live creatures like dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoise, fish, snakes and birds (parrots and mynas), all given swanky names. It was dealt with no differently to borrowing books from a library. BWC pointed out that the “pets” go through enormous psychological strain being shifted from one home to another and handled by umpteen humans. Within a short period of time the libraries were successfully convinced and closed down.
Total Ban on Ivory Trade
For years BWC strongly objected to the Government’s policy of permitting trade in ivory of African origin. BWC felt that all elephants should be protected – not only our Indian elephants. Finally, the Government in 1992 imposed a total ban in trade in ivory, whether African or Indian, for export or for internal consumption.
Rabies Vaccine no longer produced using Sheep Brains
The method of producing rabies vaccine using brains of living sheep was in 1992 finally stopped in favour of other methods including tissue culture. Ten years earlier BWC had investigated and exposed the gruesome cruelty and pressed government to ban this obsolete practice, following which it was being phased out.
Based on BWC Report, Government Bans on Tigers, Lions, Panthers, Bears and Monkeys Performing in Circuses, on Roadside, etc.
BWC believes no animal should be exhibited or trained to perform. In 1991 the Ministry of Environment & Forests (Government of India) requested BWC to prepare a comprehensive report on “Circuses of India”. The Government of India used this report as evidence in the High Court Case wherein the Indian Circus Federation obtained a stay order on the Notification banning the use of tigers, lions, panthers, bears and monkeys in circuses. In 2001 the Supreme Court upheld a Kerala High Court judgement that prohibits circuses from training or using these five species of animals.
Export Ban on Live Animals and Birds
In 1991, in response to BWC’s representations, the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports wrote: “Barring the export of sheep and goats, we are not permitting the exports of cattle, donkeys, horses, etc. Birds are no longer allowed for export as they have been shifted to Banned List of the Export Policy. (Unfortunately, in 1997 the export of exotic birds of foreign origin was reopened.)
Wildlife Items Destroyed
For the first time ever, in order to bring down the demand for animal products and not put seized wildlife items back into circulation, BWC in collaboration with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Delhi, and the Government of India organized a Bonfire in 1991 when goods worth Rs 7,000,000 were destroyed.
Amendments Suggested by BWC included in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
BWC gave the Ministry of Environment & Forests (Government of India) a number of suggestions for amending The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Almost all the points raised by BWC including ban on hunting of wild life were incorporated in the new legislation entitled The Wildlife (Protection)(Amendment) Act, 1991: 44 of 1991. (The Act was again amended: 26 of 1993.)
100 Buffaloes Saved
At the Mari Jathra and Thingala Jathra in villages around Tumkur, Karnataka, sacrificial beheading of male buffaloes to appease goddess Maramma takes place at annual fairs. In 1991, Beauty Without Cruelty along with Akhil Karnataka Prani Daya Sangh managed to foil the beheading of about 100 buffaloes by contacting localities, distributing leaflets and giving speeches.
Guidelines for Animal Performances in Films
The very first guidelines for animals used in films were drafted in 1990 by BWC for the Animal Welfare Board of India. However, BWC feels all animal performances in circuses, films or on the roadside can never be achieved without training which in itself is unnatural and cruel.
BWC helped Government with vital information regarding the Performing Bear sent to France
BWC supplied the Government information and slides of the bear that had been taken to France for the Festival of India. Based on this technicality the Government won its Supreme Court case relating to the first bear confiscated in Delhi. It was proved that the animal was not the same as the one that was sent to France and which was at the time at the Taj Hotel in Jaipur.
ICAR Karakul Lamb Project Scrapped
BWC was able to achieve unimaginable success after a period of 13 years when in 1989 the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) reluctantly gave in to BWC’s pleas and scrapped their Karakul lamb project. Karakul lambs imported from the former USSR were being bred for slaughter within 48 hours of their birth. In order to forestall Karakul lamb farming in the country, BWC purchased the entire flock of sheep and shifted them to Deesa in Gujarat where they lived out their natural lifespan.
Animal Sacrifice of Humans biting Piglets to Death Stopped
In 1989 BWC persuaded the Catholic Church to stop the age old barbaric custom of teenage boys dressed in tiger-skin biting a piglet to death at Terekol, Goa, in celebration of St John’s Baptism.
Column on Animal Rights
Twice for over a year, a weekly column on Animal Rights appeared in the Gujarati newspaper Mumbai Samachar. This column (discontinued in 1989) helped in creating a great awareness of the aims and work of BWC.
Greyhound Coursing
1988 BWC persuaded the Government to ban the use of live hare (wild rabbits) for greyhound coursing in Punjab. Unfortunately the law is openly broken and hare are illegally hunted by greyhounds as part of their training. BWC efforts to halt greyhound racing being legalised are on since 2011.
Export of Frogs’ Legs Banned
BWC relentlessly spent over a decade convincing the Government of India to stop exporting frogs’ legs, an exotic food in the West. The ban finally came into force in 1987. Facts such as the barbaric manner in which the frogs’ hind legs were chopped off and the ecological imbalance created were stressed.
Torture to Tigeress Stopped
The old blind tigress Uma Devi’s plight for filming of Insaaf Kaun Karega was widely publicised by BWC as a result of which she (and other animals) were spared similar torture in future. For performances in films she was first starved for three days, then ten men forcibly held her down while her owner literally stitched her mouth with a needle and thread. She had been subjected to this horrifying procedure each time she had acted in a film since Haathi Mere Saathi.
Lesser Birds Released therefore Saved
BWC explained to Jains who attended lectures organised by the society under the patronage of their Munis that birds bought and released from their cages outside Jain temples have been seen to fall exhausted to the ground after initially soaring into the sky. Such birds trapped from the wild a week or so earlier, brought to cities, with little or no food and water, never survive in urban areas devoid of vegetation. Therefore, by buying them for “release” a demand is created and money made available for the trade to continue. 1986 onwards due to a lesser number of birds being bought, very few bird-sellers were seen outside Jain temples in Mumbai.
BWC Film
In 1980 BWC began making a 20-minute film entitled “Beauty Without Cruelty” so that people become aware of the suffering and death inflicted upon innocent animals for the luxury trades in India. As no creature was specially subjected to suffering or death during filming, it took several years to complete (was released in 1985) and it cost much more than expected, but it was well worth the effort and expense because to this day the film encourages people to use products of non-animal origin instead.
Import of Animal Rennet Banned therefore Indian Cheese Vegetarian
As a result of a 7 year effort, in 1984 BWC persuaded the Government of India to impose a total ban on the import of animal rennet used in cheese-making. As this ban still exists, all Indian made cheese is free from animal rennet.
Silent Valley Forest Saved
In 1983 thanks to the persistent efforts of BWC and some environmental and animal welfare organisations, the Kerala State Government finally dropped the Silent Valley hydroelectric project. This not only helped in conserving the magnificent trees, but also the wild animals inhabiting the area.
Fox Tails Confiscated
In 1982 fox tails were found to be hanging in most vehicles. Investigations revealed the animals were illegally killed for their tails. The Maharashtra Forest Department was therefore alerted by BWC and in Mumbai alone they confiscated about 1000 fox tails.
Amendments to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Act, 1960 partly accepted
In 1982 suggestions for amending The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Act, 1960, as given by BWC were partly accepted by the Government.
Ban on Use of Live Bait
In spite of new legislation (initiated by BWC) against the use of live bait, BWC found that the Government was itself using live bait as prey for carnivorous animals. Every time it occurred BWC objected… then in 1997 BWC sent a detailed study to the Government pointing out the cruelty involved even though it was rarely used for entertainment purposes. Unfortunately on several occasions a strong protest still needs to be lodged with the Government of India and State Governments resulting in an assurance given that the practice of utilizing live bait would be discontinued.
Signature Campaign against Fur Farming
Although BWC had received an assurance from the Government that plans for mink farming were dropped, plans to specially breed other species of fur bearing animals were announced in 1981. A petition of over 150,000 signatures in protest (including 105 Members of Parliament) was therefore submitted by BWC in 1982 to the then Prime Minister. Although the breeding of rabbits and Karakul lambs was not stopped then, no new animals were bred to be killed under the proposed scheme of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Satvanukampa
The Gujarati version of Compassionate Friend named Satvanukampa (a Jain word meaning compassion towards all living beings) was published. Unfortunately, it was closed down in 1990 due to lack of sufficient members opting for this Gujarati magazine.
Dog Leather Project Abandoned
In 1980 BWC was shocked to learn that the Municipal Corporation of Chennai had begun flaying, tanning and selling the skin of stray dogs destroyed. Considerable anti-publicity generated widely by BWC resulted in them passing off the skins simply as leather although they went on to export skins of cats, porcine, rats, etc. Years later it was abandoned.
Export of Doves Banned
BWC strongly backed the Jain community’s objections to doves being included in the list of birds permitted to be exported from India in 1980. As a result of protest letters and telegrams to the Government, doves were taken off the list by the end of the year.
Turtles No Longer in a Soup
In 1979 armed with first hand photographic evidence, BWC exposed the capture of turtles turned over on their backs on the hot sand in order to immobilise them at Digha and other beaches off the east coast of India in Orissa. But the ban on their consumption (they were transported live to cities where they were clandestinely sold to be converted into traditional Bengali dishes) was not effectively implemented till years later when again based on first hand information of illegal trade provided by BWC, successful raids were carried out in 1990 at Kolkata’s New Market and New Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park.
Polyester Silky Brocade
The first polyester brocade/zari saree in silky finish woven on hand-loom by weavers in Varanasi was the result of 4 years research by BWC. Despite this know-how being available since 1978 due to the reluctance on the part of weavers and insufficient public demand, the sarees are not commercially available.
Award from Reader’s Digest for Best Advertisement
The advertisement campaign BWC undertook in 1978 captioned “Pretty, isn’t it?” won the prestigious Reader’s Digest Pegasus Award for highlighting animal exploitation.
Compassionate Friend Magazine
BWC’s quarterly journal Compassionate Friend was first published in January 1977. Distributed free to all members, it is the only animal rights magazine in India which contains unexaggerated and factual information. In 1998 the IInd All India House Journal Competition organized by the Mayaram Surjan Foundation (DNA Group) presented BWC with their Special Award in the category of publications for Non-Governmental Organizations.
Monkey Exports Banned
In 1977, the Rt Hon Muriel, Lady Dowding, the founder of the Beauty Without Cruelty movement, met the then Prime Minister Mr Morarji Desai in New Delhi and requested him to ban the export of monkeys as they were being subjected to intense cruelty in American and other foreign research laboratories.
Export of Painted Finches Banned
BWC pointed out to the Government in 1977 that for export painted finches were literally being painted with harmful dyes. Such exports were immediately stopped.
Trade in Snake Skin Ends
In 1976 BWC began creating an awareness of the cruelties inflicted upon reptiles for their skins. Evidence of snakes skinned alive, and crocodiles illegally captured for obtaining leather used for luxury items was condemned by BWC. Products like wallets and belts made from non-animal materials that looked like monitor lizard, python skin, etc. were promoted by BWC. BWC’s plea to stop trade in reptile skins was granted when 1980 onwards, all types of snakes were given protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Crocodile Farming not Permitted
In India crocodile breeding started as a conservation measure and turned out to be over-successful, but as crocodiles were not released into the wild as originally planned and breeding was not halted (even after 1981 on a directive from the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests) vested interests wanted permission to “harvest” their skins to make ladies’ shoes and handbags, wallets, belts, watch straps, and such vanity items. BWC strongly objected and has obtained periodic assurances from the Government of India that crocodile farming will never be permitted.
List of Honour published
On the basis of information gathered from manufacturers, BWC came out with its very first edition of the List of Honour containing names of cosmetics and toilet preparations manufactured in India which were free of animal substances and not tested by means of experiments upon animals.