Three Tibetan Buddhist monks have been detained by Chinese officials for purchasing and freeing three hundred yaks, long-haired domesticated animals similar to cows, who were headed for the slaughterhouse, according to Radio Free Asia.

The monks, named Ringpu 50, Yutruk 51 and Salshap, 47, were following Buddhist teachings, which encourage the practice of saving animals from slaughter. Buying animals to save them isn't an uncommon practice in Tibet, where Chinese slaughterhouses are usually opposed by locals.

Tibetans have held silent campaigns in the past to save yaks from slaughterhouses in line with the Buddhist practice of "life liberation." There have also been cases of yaks owned by Tibetans that have gone missing and were later found to have been stolen and butchered by Chinese slaughterhouse owners, sources have said. Local religious leaders have spoken against the killing of animals for their meat.

According to a 2007 report by Human Rights Watch, it is illegal for Tibetan citizens to hold organized protests against Chinese-operated slaughterhouses operating in Tibet.