Comprehensive Analysis of Animal Welfare Practices at Gaushalas: Alignment with Established Guidelines and Observed Benefits

This paper provides an in-depth examination of animal welfare practices at Gaushalas, focusing on feeding, housing, healthcare, and general management. Through detailed observation and literature review, we analyze the alignment of these practices with established guidelines and their impact on cattle well-being. Our findings reveal a strong commitment to ethical standards, although certain challenges remain in resource-scarce settings. Data was gathered through field observations, interviews with Gaushala staff, and a review of existing literature after obtaining permission from the University Ethical Committee, in two Gaushalas, one in a peri-urban setting and another in an urban setting. Practices were compared to established guidelines, including those from the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO), to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement. Implementing welfare standards in non-traditional cattle care settings contributes to advancing animal welfare practices in diverse environments.