Why some Muslim organisations want the cow to be declared India's national animal ahead of Eid
Several Muslim organizations are advocating for the cow to be declared India's national animal, a status currently held by the tiger. This push coincides with the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival, during which animal sacrifices are traditionally performed. The demand aims to promote uniformity in cow slaughter laws and address issues related to mob lynching incidents linked to cow protection.
- ▪Muslim organizations are calling for the cow to be recognized as India's national animal ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
- ▪The current national animal is the tiger, and the cow holds significant religious importance for many Hindus.
- ▪The demand for national animal status for the cow has historically been associated with Hindu nationalist groups and the BJP.
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Why some Muslim organisations want the cow to be declared India's national animal ahead of EidThe Muslim section's push has come ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the festival during which the sacrifice of animals, including goats and cows, is traditionally observedUpdated on: May 25, 2026 6:32 PM ISTBy HT News DeskShare viaCopy link Several organisations among Muslims are demanding that the cow, considered sacred by large sections of Hindus, be given the status of India's national animal. The current national animal is the tiger. The cow has no such official status for now, but demand for it has historically come from Hindu nationalist groups and BJP legislators.A labourer walks past a cow with his cart at a market in the old quarters of Delhi.
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