Hindu Couple Appeals Ban On Cows In City Limits

Yesterday's New York Newsday reports that a Hindu couple, Stephen and Linda Voith, earlier this month filed an appeal of a New York trial court's decision that prohibits them from keeping their six cows within the city limits of Angelica, NY. An Angelica village ordinance prohibits the keeping of farm animals without a permit unless the owner has at least 10 acres of land on which the animals can graze. Hinduism considers protecting cows a sacred obligation. The Voiths, members of the Krishna Consciousness branch of Bhakti Hinduism, claim that the cows are not farm animals. They see them as being among their family members and integral to the practice of their religion. A supporter of the Voith's position has even created a website to explain and advocate their cause.