The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Need to make laws and give training to elephant handlers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 10, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Need to make laws and give training to elephant handlers

The recent drowning of an elephant when taken to a river near Vaikom with both its hind legs chained has certainly shocked the entire State. The tragedy was the latest in a series of incidents of cruelty to captive elephants reported from various parts of the State. Time was when the elephant, so intimately associated with the cultural ethos of Kerala, used to be treated with adoration and love by its owner and handlers. How did this attitude change? Our readers respond:

Treat them fairly

Animals have to be treated well. Animals like elephants are abused by their owners for monetary benefits without giving them their due care, respect or rest. The situation needs to be tackled by the Government and non-Governmental organisations. First, registration of these animals used for commercial purposes should be made mandatory. Next, the owner must submit periodic records of the animals' well being, certified by Government-appointed veterinarians. Surprise checks must be made by squads. The registration of the animals whose owners do not follow these rules should be cancelled.

Manoj & Clomy

Thiruvananthapuram

Second thoughts

The elephant, which is a wild animal, has been tamed by man and put to use for various purposes. Elephants were treated with respect and care then. But recent incidents have shown a shift in the attitude of the people. The respect shown to elephants is vanishing. An important reason could be that people are aware of the possible dangers from elephants and have come to realise that blindly depending on elephants and worshipping them or loving them like they love other domestic animals is sheepish.

Reshmi S

Thiruvananthapuram

Create awareness

Public awareness of animal rights is abysmally low in the State. Therefore, ill treatment of elephants evokes no protest from the public. Periodic health check-up by Government-approved veterinarians should be made compulsory for all captive elephants. Instances of physical torture should be dealt with as per the extant laws.

Elephants that are physically unfit should not be forced to participate in festivals. The festival organisers and the devotees who participate in the temple festivals should take the initiative to ensure that the elephants are treated in a humane manner. The mahouts should be trained scientifically to tackle the behavioural and physiological changes in elephants. Creating awareness about animal rights among the younger generation will go a long way in preventing cruelty towards elephants.

V.N. Mukundarajan

Thiruvananthapuram

Stop commercial use

The attitude of the people cannot be changed until and unless elephants are banned from all cultural events. The elephants are wild animals and to use them for our purposes is against nature. It is, therefore, a crime on our part to use these gentle giants for our selfish purposes. The elephants that are already captive should be looked after in an area where they can move around freely, at least to some extent, instead of being tied down with chains. The elephants in the already dwindling forest cover should not be disturbed at any cost. There should be separate laws regarding the protection of elephants in forests and cities.

Bindu Philip

By email

Investigate cruelty

In the olden days, owning an elephant was considered a status symbol and every owner imagined that all his wealth and fame were on account of the elephant. The mahout used to love the animal and their friendship and respect was mutual. But lately this attitude has changed and elephants are treated as only a source of income. The caretaker also does not take care of the animal and acts cruelly towards it. The case of the elephant drowning when taken to a river with both its hind legs chained is the result of gross carelessness and needs investigation.

P.M.G. Pillai

Thiruvalla

Check ill-treatment

The recent drowning of an elephant near Vaikom has come as a rude awakening. It is not just another stray incident as numerous such atrocities against elephants have been reported across the State. The tuskers, which once symbolised status and power, have today been degraded to workload animals. The mahouts do not share an emotional relationship with the elephants and are concerned only about the monetary benefits. They also ill-treat the animal. The Government should ensure that the mahouts are not cruel towards the elephants. Checks should be made to see if the mahouts are properly trained to deal with elephants.

Anton Babu

By email

Train mahouts properly

Though much adoration and love towards the elephant still exist, the way in which it is treated commercially for picking up loads or in festivals may not be desirable. Managing elephants needs expertise. In fact, not only the elephants but their mahouts need better education, training and treatment.

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

Educate mahouts

The drowning of an elephant in a river near Vaikom with both its hind legs chained has opened a Pandora's box. The months from February to April are a tough time for elephants in the State, which witnesses numerous processions of elephants at various temples. Mahouts must be educated on how to manage their elephants effectively. Violation of the basic rights of elephants calls for immediate action.

Aswathy Balan

By email

Thiruvananthapuram

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