Acharya Prashant addresses the concern about the cruelty inflicted upon horses and mules during the Kedarnath pilgrimage. He begins by acknowledging the disturbing sight, mentioning that he too saw a dead horse on the path. He questions the very nature of a pilgrimage undertaken by someone who, after witnessing such atrocities, continues to use these animals for their journey. He asks, "What kind of pilgrimage is this?" He points out the profound irony in seeking the blessings of Mahadev, who is also known as Pashupati, the Lord of all animals, while simultaneously being cruel to them. He emphasizes that Mahadev is fond of all creatures, even adorning himself with snakes. The speaker describes the pitiable condition of the animals, noting that not a single horse or mule was without wounds, with their skin often peeled off in places. He questions the identity of such pilgrims and the essence of their pilgrimage. A true pilgrimage, he explains, is about the mind moving towards peace and the Self, a journey that involves enduring difficulties, not merely transporting the body to a mountain peak. He asserts that peace and compassion are inseparable; without compassion, a pilgrimage is meaningless. He strongly criticizes able-bodied young people for riding on animals or being carried by other humans, while making an exception for the elderly, disabled, or very young children. Acharya Prashant further deconstructs the justification of "compulsion" (majboori) that people use for their actions. He warns that if one uses compulsion as an excuse to ride a horse, this same logic will be used to justify all kinds of sins and wrongdoings throughout life. He urges individuals to sternly and clearly examine their so-called compulsions to determine if they are genuine or merely convenient choices. He explains that the mind that exploits animals is the same mind that will exploit its family, employees, and everything it encounters. In response to a follow-up question, he clarifies that many of these animals, such as mules, are bred specifically for exploitation. If not for the human desire to exploit them, they would not have been born into such a life in the first place. He draws a parallel with the poultry industry, where chickens are bred solely for consumption. He concludes by discussing the proper relationship with pets, which should be one of friendship and freedom, not ownership. He condemns caging birds or keeping fish in aquariums as acts of extreme cruelty, emphasizing that a relationship with an animal should be a mutual bond of friendship.