HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS PROTESTS ELEPHANT POLO

[Guest guest]

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Virginia McKenna <virginia

Oct 30, 2006 9:01 PM

Elephant Polo

ruth.powys

Cc: Christine Townend <cjt, Mark Shand <

macshand, Maneka Gandhi <gandim, Dame Daphne

Sheldrick DBE <rc-h, Suparna Ganguly <

suparnaganguly, ,

Dr John Wedderburn <jwed, rob, Jordi Casamitjana <

jordi.casamitjana, Cartier Managing Director <

contact.uk, Alison Hood <alison, Mandy Ford <

mandy

 

Dear Ruth Powys

 

I have been reading the numerous letters from an ever-increasing number of

people who are opposed to the forthcoming elephant polo match in Jaipur.

Without hesitation I must add my voice to theirs.

 

In my view, it is naïve beyond belief to think that not using the ankush, in

this particular instance will, all of a sudden, spread throughout India a kind

and compassionate approach to the general training of elephants. And as far as

hoping to persuade the rich and famous who will take part in, or attend the

match, that this is the first step towards some happy new relationship between

man and elephant – I have to express deep cynicism. Not everyone has animal

welfare at the top of his agenda.

 

I am sure Mark Shand has genuine feelings of affection and kindness for

elephants – indeed he has demonstrated this over a number of years. Therefore

it is with disappointment and surprise that I learn of his involvement in this

bizarre event. Of course, at *this* match, every care will be taken to prevent

injury or discomfort to the elephants. But does everyone involved really

believe that this example will subsequently be followed over the whole of India?

A pipe dream I fear. I foresee that polo matches – or similar activities

involving elephants - will spring up like mushrooms all over the place. And who

will be monitoring these, and the training, and the living conditions?

 

Please, Ms Powys, withdraw your organisation's support. It is not too late.

The elephants deserve it. They are helpless victims – players in a game they

should never have learned. If you do, you and your colleagues will earn the

respect of all of us who – like you – work for a time when wild animals are no

longer exploited, or caged or suffer.

 

Yours hopefully, Virginia McKenna OBE Chair of Trustees The Born Free Foundation

 

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