Most readers against bull-killing ritual

By Ainsley Daniels

Animal Rights Africa (ARA) is going to the Pietermaritzburg High Court in a bid to stop the "cruel" Ukweshwama ritual of killing a bull.

Most readers shared were also opposed to bull killing rituals when asked on a poll.

IOL asked its readers: Should the bull-killing ritual be stopped?

Of the 1 045 people who participated in the 73 percent (764 votes) said "Yes" and 23 percent (281 votes) said "No"

Here are some of the comments posted online:

Duncan:
The descriptions that I've read of the ritual paint it as a pretty brutal experience, although they may be overstated. However, culture is dynamic and only dynamic, adaptable cultures survive and thrive so there is probably room to adapt the ritual to a more modern method of slaughter. By all means, retain the tradition, but surely it can be done more humanely?

Moloi:
I'm not a Zulu, nor interested in their culture. But I feel that it is disrespecting for some settlers to come to Africa and tell Africans how to practice their culture. South Africa is a country of different cultures, no culture should be regarded as 21st century over others because that is just pure arrogance,

Sabelo:
It is very disturbing how people interfere with other people's cultures. Is it ethical to cage birds, recreationally fish and also to sport hunt? People's animal ethics is selective. If you consider stopping the Zulu culture, then all our treatments to animals should also be revised! Yes culture can be always improved, consultation is of the highest importance in this regard.

Geromes:
Some of you are missing the point. Its the way in which the animal are killed that is the disturbing factor. With a gunshot from the rifle of an experienced marksman there is little suffering on the part of the animal.

Sonny:
It is barbaric, cruel, inhumane, sadistic and uncalled for in the 21st century and should be outlawed, which of course will never happen because of the ruling party?s members participation in this horrible ritual. When will these people move on to a civilised way of life, will or can it ever happen, do they have the ability in themselves to see the real nature of what they are doing? It is strange that activists against cruelty against animals as well as other like minded organisations are reasonably quiet on this issue.There are many vociferous people out there who go up in arms when say, elephants, are culled, why are they so quiet?

Neo:
Definitely no,I'm sure all YES answers are mainly from whites and vegetarian.You guys must enquire aswel how all the meat u buy from shops woolworths etc is killed before it gets there.Animals r not human, being plain cruel to animals is one thing,but something that has been of people's culture for years should be left at that,especially if they eat the meat once the bull is down,but then again,u would rather have your dogs in the front of your bakkie and a person of colour at the back

Rayner:
I know it?s been almost a year but it seems that the billions have conveniently forgotten that our religious ritual each Christmas day is the killing of an innocent, harmless turkey. Yes, is that time of the year when we phone our local butchery and let him do the cruel honours of slaughtering a big juice fat turkey on our behalf, which will then exclude us from any act of cruelness? Now, is it only MY religion is rightfully allowed to practice religious beliefs? Is it only MY religion that is allowed to condemn other religions of their rituals? I certainly believe not. So, as I and the billions are going to enjoy turkey this Christmas day I believe I am not in a position to disallow others their rights. So, as we have been doing for millions of years, let it continue.

Logs:
This bull was purchased by the king using MY (taxpayer's) money. I, as well as other taxpayers,therefore have a say in this matter. I say DO NOT use MY money to perform such a barbaric deed. If the bull has to be killed, the killing must be quick and humane.