A majestic elephant, with sandal-coloured tusks and decked in colourful accoutrements, is a treat for the eyes.
But for the animals, as the festival season in the State peaks, it is just another season of torture.
While the authorities turn a blind eye towards the violation of rules, revellers fail to see the sufferings of the animals.
According to statistics provided by the Heritage Animal Task Force, 26 incidents of elephants running amok were reported in Thrissur district alone since the beginning of the year.
Unscientific training
“Twelve elephants died in the State in 2015. Mindless torture, unscientific training methods and poor upkeep are taking a toll on the elephant population.
The total number of deaths in elephant attacks was 17 in 2015, of which 12 were of mahouts,” said V.K. Venkitachalam, the secretary of the Heritage Animal Task Force.
Blatant violation of rules regarding elephant parades led to such unfortunate situations.
Wounded elephants are being regularly paraded at festivals despite orders of the Supreme Court and the government, according to animal activists. In a recent petition to the Animal Welfare Board of India, the Heritage Animal Task Force alleged that 45 of the 47 elephants paraded recently for a festival at a famous temple in Thrissur had been injured. Of 52 elephants paraded during a church festival, 39 had injuries.
“There are many incidents in which elephants attack each other during festivals. Such incidents happen when elephants are paraded so closely that their bellies touch each other’s,” Mr. Venkitachalam said. A government circular dated March 20, 2013, clearly prohibits parading of more than three elephants inside the compound of religious places.
“In all, 41 elephants were paraded for a recent festival near Choondal in Thrissur within a 10-cent temple compound. At another festival at Chowwannur, 32 elephants were paraded within a compound of 15 cents,” the Task Force pointed out.
The Supreme Court order dated August 18, 2015, specifically states that elephant parades could be conducted only with the permission of the District Collector.
Prohibited
The order also prohibits the conduct of the parade between 11 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. But, jumbos are made to walk and stand in the scorching sun for hours during several occasions.
As a result, most of them develop pockets of infection under their feet or toenails.
While authorities turn a blind eye towards violation of rules, revellers fail to see the sufferings of the animals paraded during festivals
