If one recalls the 1950s or 1960s or even beyond, one would remember the number of household dairies and the more viable ones run on a commercial scale , which produced a sizeable volume of milk distributed by vendors using bicycles. Later the Milk Board, now replaced by Milco, took over the large scale collection and distribution of milk.

What were the other causes that contributed to the dearth of milk production?

Land, that was previously used for dairy farming and pastures is now being used for buildings to meet the ever increasing demand for housing. The cost of procuring animals, and maintaining them and the sale of cattle for slaughter have been the other factors that have led to the dwindling supply of milk.

Only about 20 percent of the needs are available at milk processing centers to also due to the present day life styles, people find it easier to use powdered milk in preference to fresh milk.

As motorized vehicles have replaced the bullock and buggy carts, and tractors are used for agricultural purposes, breeding cattle has taken a downward trend. The recent wave of diseases among cattle have no doubt led to a fall in the consumption of meat.

The paper referred to also carried an article stating that at the Dehiwala Zoo about four kilos out of every 20 kilos of fresh meat meant for carnivorous animals, are stolen. The daily requirements of the zoo are in the region of 182 kilos of fresh meat , 11 kilos of ox heart, 5 kilos of ox liver and about 29 kilos of chicken, procured by annual tenders. Is it possible to wean these creatures to substitutes like soya meat or in the alternative are these to be imported if slaughter is to be totally banned? And without meat, is it possible to sustain the tourist industry? Are there any suggestions as to what alternative uses bulls could be used other than to procure meat and skins and hides to the tanneries? Do non-beef eaters refrain from wearing shoes and sandals made out of leather? Are there substitutes to skins and hides to make Drums and Rabanas which are widely used in our cultural events?

The more sensible way is to see that steps are taken to stop the slaughter of cows, and that more humane methods are adhered to slaughter animals If more incentives are given to villagers in areas where milk is produced .the supply of milk for processing milk food is bound to increase, resulting in the curtail of imports.

As far as the monopoly enjoyed by the Muslims in cattle slaughter, it could be said that that it is due to prevalent religious sentiments against the slaughter of animals. It is, however, sad that animals which have outlived there usefulness are sold for slaughter. The SPCA, should divert more attention to cruelty to animals.