The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India alleged here on Friday that partially injured and visually impaired elephants were paraded during the Thrissur Pooram celebrations. PETA also alleged that banned weapons were put to use to control the elephants.
An investigation by PETA India found that the elephants were subjected to cruelty during the festivities. The organisation produced some photos as proof. The report said elephants with open wounds, painful abscesses, cracked nails and impaired vision were paraded.
“The mahouts were seen lashing the elephants with banned metallic weapon ‘ankush’ (a weapon with a sharp metal hook on the end) and wooden sticks. There was no access to drinking water and the elephants were made to walk and stand on hot tarred road with no shade. The elephants’ forelimbs and hindlimbs were shackled with heavy metallic chains that severely restricted their movement. The elephants were sometimes forced to stand close to the area of fireworks display.”
PETA India Director of Veterinary Affairs and member of the Kerala State Animal Welfare Board Manilal Valliyate said shackling the elephants in chains, training and exhibiting them under the threat of ankush and other weapons and exposing them to loud fireworks and drum beats, which they would find frightening, was cruelty.
PETA alleged that the elephants were subjected to cruelty in apparent violation of the orders of the Supreme Court, the Kerala High Court and various animal-protection laws.
“Since the elephants suffered from various ailments, the fitness certificates issued would be illegitimate,” a PETA statement said.
