Does Veda support killing of the animals?

Dr. J.S.R. Prasad, Prof. of Sanskrit, Central University of Hyderabad: Mīmāṃsakas say that the killing of animal in sacrifice is justified because it is ordained by the Veda (veda vihitattvāt). What is Your comment on this?

Swāmi Replied:- It is clearly told by the Veda (manyuḥ paśuḥ) that the word animal or ‘Paśuḥ’ means firmness due to foolishness (manyu). Please note that the word ‘manyu’ is directly said to be the animal (paśuḥ) and manyu is not told to be the nature of the animal (paśutvam). Therefore, the word animal itself means the innocent faith on ignorant elders and preachers. A goat foolishly believes the butcher and follows him, which is going to be cut by the same butcher. The innocent faith of the goat is to be cut and not the goat directly. Such misinterpretations arose from the brains of foolish ignorant reciters of the Vedic scriptures, who blindly recited the Veda without inquiring into its meaning believing the foolish fundamental that sound of the word without meaning itself is God (Śabdamātra devatā of Pūrvamīmāṃsakas). These blind reciters of the Veda started tasting the flesh of animals and blindly supported this type of misinterpretation. These priests also tasted wine, which was called as ‘somarasa’ and became drunkards also along with non-vegetarian food.

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