New Delhi, 11th February 2023: The request by India’s Animal Welfare Board to mark February 14 as “Cow Hug Day” has been withdrawn.

The new notice stated, “As directed by the Competent Authority and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying the appeal issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India for the celebration of Cow Hug Day on 14th February 2023 stands withdrawn.”

The AWBI had earlier urged cow lovers to do so in a note saying that hugging cows on February 14, which is Valentine’s Day everywhere else, will offer emotional richness and will promote individual and collective happiness.

The board, created in 1962 following Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, offers grants to organisations that promote animal welfare and offers the Center advice on related matters.