Trigger Warning: Mentions of animal cruelty
I’m Tinkle, one of the chained animals in your house. I want to have a word with you today before I breathe my last breath.
When I was inside my mother, I was super excited to see the world outside. I came out one fine day. It was a warm winter afternoon. My happiness knew no bounds when the cozy golden sunlight touched my wide brown eyes. With my mother licking my face, my feet touching the satin-smooth soil, my eyes gazing the flight of little sparrows in the blue sky, everything seemed so good.
I was hungry, so I started grunting. An old female figure came and pushed me towards my mother. I drank some milk and then happily sat down again. After some time, the same figure reappeared. This time, she was carrying a yellow colored rope with her. She tied it around my neck. I was happy. Yes, I was, as I thought that it was a necklace and had been tied to enhance my looks.
Suddenly, the lady pulled my mother away and tied her at a corner away from me. I was unable to understand this for some days. They used to take me to my mother for milk and then tied me away from her. This continued for 6-7 months. Then, my rope was removed and a new metallic, heavy chain was tied (which all others wore).
I felt irritated at times as it chafed my skin. I was given food and water twice a day. Because of the scorching heat, we were tied under a roof during daytime and outside during the evenings. Never did I think that my life would just remain confined to that single place. But, I slowly learnt to live with it and accepted the reality.
However, the most shattering day was yet to come. I saw two unknown faces at our little place. They were standing near my mother and touching her repeatedly. The following day, a vehicle stopped with a screech of brakes. Maa’s chain was removed. I rejoiced as I thought that finally the day had come when we would be set free.
But contrary to my expectations, they pushed maa into the vehicle. She started crying loudly. I was unable to sense it all. My heart was pounding. She was in front of my eyes, I wanted to stop her, but was helpless. The vehicle started to move and maa left us. Everytime a vehicle arrived, I used to feel excited as I thought that this would be maa. But, she never came back.
With a grief-stricken heart, I continued to live. One of my fellow friends gave birth to a male calf. To my surprise, he was sent away after only a year. Life was monotonous. I was dead-alive.
And today, as I’m about to leave this world, I just want to ask something. God might have made you humans superior, but, don’t we deserve a good life and some love? Can’t we get an affectionate pat on our backs everytime you come to see us? Can’t you stop beating us? Can’t we stay with our loved ones forever? Can’t we have something to eat whenever we feel hungry? Can’t we get some time to play and soak our bodies in the little pool of the village everyday?
I wish you would understand my feelings and take care of all my fellow friends, chained in your houses as they sacrifice everything to give you people a better life.
Goodbye!