Animal Welfare Board withdraws appeal to celebrate February 14 as \'Cow Hug Day\'

New Delhi: Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on Friday said it has withdrawn the appeal to celebrate February 14 as 'Cow Hug Day' following directions from the government.

February 14 is observed as Valentine's Day across the world.

"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the appeal issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India for celebration of Cow Hug Day on 14th February, 2022 stands withdrawn," the board's Secretary S K Dutta said in a notice.

It was for the first time that the AWBI had appealed to cow lovers in the country to celebrate 'Cow Hug Day'.