The Hindu : National : Assam bans use of elephants for begging

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Thursday, Aug 30, 2007
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Assam bans use of elephants for begging

Sushanta Talukdar

Forest Department issues order on PETA appeal

Guwahati: The Assam Forest Department has clamped a ban on use of private elephants for begging in the State in response to an appeal made by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

In his order, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam M.C. Malakar, said private elephants were made to beg on roads by performing tricks and manoeuvres, especially in front of temples. There were instances of the animals going berserk, injuring and killing innocent people and destroying property. This was an offence under Section 289 of the Indian Penal Code.

“Many a time, private elephants are made to walk on the scorching, pothole-ridden tarmac roads,” and they suffered immensely. “This is an offence under Sec.11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.”

Besides, making elephants perform tricks and manoeuvres, without prior approval from the Central Zoo Authority was a clear violation of the Section 38 H of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Permission mandatory

The PETA had written to all PCCFs in the country urging them to ensure that all captive elephants, performing tricks and manoeuvres for entertainment, donations or otherwise, were permitted to do so only after their owners complied with the relevant Acts and rules. Non-compliance should lead to seizure of elephants, the PETA said.

Common sight

The PETA said elephants begging was a common sight on roads and outside temples in many cities across India.

Mahouts, sitting astride the elephants, poked the painful “ankush” behind the animals’ sensitive ears in order to keep them moving amid the confusing and alien traffic. Their ears were battered by the cacophony of horns and urban noises, and their tender feet were affected in the scorching-hot on pothole-ridden roads, the international organisation said in its appeal.

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