Captive Animals Protection Society of UK statement on elephant polo match

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The Captive Animals' Protection Society

PO Box 4186, Manchester, M60 3ZA, UK

Tel/Fax: +44 (0)845 330 3911

E-mail: info

Web: www.captiveanimals.org

 

 

 

20th October 2006

 

 

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

The Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS) was founded in 1957 and works

to end the abuse of animals for entertainment.

 

It has been brought to our attention that an 'elephant polo' match is due to

take place in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

 

CAPS would strongly urge you to help ensure that this activity does not take

place.

 

Elephants have always held a magical place in human history. Many people can

relate to their gentleness, strong family bonds and compassion, even their

grieving.

 

As a species, they have been hugely abused throughout history, but in many

places things are changing and elephants have become a symbolic species that

highlights the cruelties of wild animal captivity.

 

In the UK, most zoos have stopped keeping elephants as they are aware that

they can not provide for their needs, and many zoos in the USA have followed

this pattern.

 

The abuses of elephants in captivity, in particular the harsh training

methods used to subdue and control them, are well know following the

exposure by organisations such as CAPS. The horrific treatment of elephants

taken from the wild and brutally abused to control them has also been well

documented.

 

Using elephants in a sport such as polo will involve the rider subjecting a

level of control over the animal that, even unintentionally, can result in

physical and behavioural suffering to that animal, particularly as

implements like an ankus – elephant hook – are likely to be used.

 

It is often argued by those who keep elephants in captivity – whether it is

circuses, zoos, or indeed 'elephant polo' games – that by having close

contact with these animals in captivity, people can learn about the species

and the plights they face, and become concerned enough to act.

 

Our experience shows that this is not so; in fact, captivity and control

teaches that animals are here for us to use as we please, regardless of how

much it takes away their natural freedoms.

 

The use of elephants in this way does harm, not good, to the messages of

conservation and animal protection.

 

We would urge you to ensure that this event does not take place.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Craig Redmond

Campaign Manager