In the 21^st century more and more emphasis is being placed on the protection of animals, the reduction of violence towards animals, changes in the consumption of animals as food for humanity and the understanding that animals are sentient beings possessing feelings and emotions.

In fact the rights of our animal brothers and sisters are being discussed and debated within society as never before. 

The new booklet, “Do We Care? Australia’s First Home for Cow Protection”, is an offering written by Mukunda Goswami and Mandira Mani Dasi and an important contribution to this worldwide change of consciousness toward animals.

In this beautifully photographed publication the authors have presented clear and easily understandable arguments for the protection and utilization of cows and bulls in the context of the world today. 

The authors highlight that it is possible for individuals as well as communities to live in harmony with cows, thus reducing the destructive reactions that violence towards these gentle creatures has negatively impacted on the world for so long. 

The benefits of living in loving harmony with cows are sympathetically presented in this publication in various ways. That New Govardhana Farming Community is truly Australia’s first home for cow protection is evident in the photographs of its contented cows.

Within this Vedic Vaishnava community the reason for protection of the cow, as explained by the authors, is simple, the most important being: the cow is considered to be one of our mothers because she gives us her milk and thus nurtures our health and wellbeing.

No feeling person would injure or kill their mother. The Vedas teach that to take milk from the cow and then kill her is the same as killing one’s mother. Similarly, the bull is considered like a father because he traditionally helps in the tilling of fields and thus is to be respected.

At the New Govardhana Farming Community no cow, bull or calf is slaughtered. The community has set in place innovative ways to work with cows and bulls and engage their God-given strength in the service of others under humane and loving conditions. 

Interesting facts are presented regarding the benefits of affectionate interaction with cows, milk production, the utilization of dung and urine, which is valuable as fertilizer, compost, some medicines, cleaning products, biogas and fuel.

The authors give an empathic and convincing argument for the protection of cows, wherein they argue that the protection of cows is a most important component for protecting the earth.

This booklet is a little treasure to be distributed far and wide to the broader public as it offers a solution to many of the world’s problems, exemplified by the current efforts of the New Govardhana Farming Community.