Elephant Polo: Expert Comments ( Do we need more ? )

[Guest guest]

Source: http://www.stopelephantpolo.com

 

 

 

Living legend speaks :

Message from Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, DBE MBE MBS DVMS

Dated: 1st March` 2007

 

" As someone who has always respected India's compassion for animals,

it seems inconceivable that the City of Jaipur still plays host to

Elephant Polo, and tries to fool the world that the Elephants enjoy

it, despite hard evidence just a short time ago that a Polo Playing

Elephant in Sri Lanka went beserk, injuring people and causing damage

to a vehicle. Such anger can hardly signify enjoyment. It signifies a

revolt against cruelty and abuse, and it is now time that all caring

people also revolted against such cruelty and abuse.

 

Elephants are not designed to play polo and nor should they.

All who support this cruel activity contribute to the suffering of the

Elephants, who have already suffered enormously from the brutal

training techniques they endure which no sane person can call humane.

I speak with authority about what elephants like and dislike, for I

know them well, having hand-reared some 80 of their orphaned young,

and rehabilitated them back where they rightly belong - amongst their

own kind, and certainly not being forced to play Polo to entertain a

public ignorant of the cruelty involved in getting an elephant to this

point. I am recognized as a World Authority on the subject of what

elephants like and dislike, having reared their orphaned young and

worked with elephants for the past 50 years studying behaviour in a

wild situation as well as acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the

species through saving and rearing their orphaned young and I can

categorically tell the world that Elephants should not be forced to

play Polo. "

 

Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, DBE MBE MBS DVMS

 

UNEP 1992 Global Laureate

 

2000 BBC Lifetime Achievement Award

----

 

CVFA says NO to Elephant Polo

" I don't have to go on and on about the moral and humane rights or

wrongs - you have heard it all before so I will come right to the point !

 

CVFA and our 2895 supporters world wide wish to add our voice to the

efforts made by animal welfare groups, to free these elephants from

this ' exploitative sport ' ! "

 

" Of all the creatures, man is the most detestable. Of the entire

brood, he's the one that possesses malice. He is the only creature

that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. The fact that man

knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the

other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral

inferiority to any creature that cannot. " - Mark Twain - American

Novelist

 

 

Most Sincerely

Mary Alice Pollard

________________

Mary Alice Pollard

Cornwall's Voice for Animals ( cvfa/oipa.uk )

Gerrans Square, Cornwall TR2-5GA UK

 

Representing The International Organization for Animal Protection

NGO affiliated to the UN Department of Public Information

http://www.cornwallsvoiceforanimals.org/Welcome.html

----

 

Expert comments and opinions before the 'Cartier Elephant Polo Cup 2006' :

 

Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE, MBE, MBS, DVMS, 1992 Global 500 Laureate.

 

A year or two ago i was invited to India as perhaps the world's

authority on elephants having hand reared from newborn over 75

orphaned elephant babies and successfully returned them when grown to

the wild herds of Tsavo East National park in Kenya.

 

My work with elephants spans 50 years and has been recognized by the

Queen with, initially an MBE, and more recently a DBE, in addition to

which I hold an Hon. degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from

Glasgow University and have been awarded the Moran of the of the

Burning Spear by Kenya and am a 1992 UNEP Global 500 Laureate.

 

I know elephants sufficiently well to be able to categorically say

that forcing them to entertain the public in an Elephant Polo

Tournament, in temperatures of over 40 degrees is not only insensitive

but cruel, especially as they will be prodded by sharp ankuses etc, etc.

 

I am shocked that a close relative of the Duchess of Cornwall is

planning to partake and by doing so supports such antics.

 

Elephants are intolerant to heat and would naturally be resting under

shade when temperatures soar. I think the adverse publicity that will

result from India embarking on this exercise will far out-weigh any

benefits and simply reflect badly on India's Animal Welfare record and

also the reputation of highly connected people.

 

I would appeal to the authorities to withdraw from this polo spectacle

and play polo

instead on horseback, (without the use of ankuses and prods).

 

Dame Daphne Sheldrick DBE, MBE, MBS, DVMS, 1992 Global 500 Laureate.

 

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org email: emtrust

----

 

Rob Laidlaw, CBiol MIBiol, Director, Zoocheck Canada Inc.

 

October 10, 2006

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

I was recently made aware of an upcoming elephant polo tournament to

be held in Jaipur on November 18th.

 

I would like to state my opposition to such an event and request that

you do whatever you can to make sure the event does not proceed as

planned.

 

While the proponents of the elephant polo tournament may feel that the

event will in some way be beneficial to elephants, presumably by

bringing their plight to the attention of a affluent audience, I have

doubts that that will occur. In fact, it is entirely possible that a

completely opposite message will be conveyed and that elephants will

be worse off because of it.

 

Even if a positive verbal narrative or printed literature accompanies

the event, audience members will still view the very powerful imagery

of captive elephants being utilized, perhaps exploited is a better

word, in a novelty situation for relatively frivolous entertainment

purposes. The notion that it is acceptable to use these animals for

such a purpose will almost certainly override any other kind of messaging.

 

As well, the fact that mahouts will have sit on each elephant and

exercise control over their movements leaves room for abuse through

the excessive, though perhaps subtle, use of implements, such as the

ankus, especially if the elephants are unruly or uncooperative.

 

Certainly the plight of elephants in India and other parts of Asia is

serious and deserves attention, but that should not include

nonsensical spectacles like elephant polo. If that is what elephants

need to depend upon, then they are in even more trouble than we imagine.

 

Please do what you can to ensure that this event does not take place

as planned. Thank you for considering this letter.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rob Laidlaw

 

CBiol MIBiol

 

 

Zoocheck Canada Inc.

 

2646 St. Clair Ave. East phone: 416.285.1744 Fax: 416.285.4670

 

Toronto, Ontario toll free number: 1-888-801-3222

 

M4B 3M1 rob www.zoocheck.com

----

 

Suparna Bakshi-Ganguly, Vice President, CUPA Bangalore

 

I strongly feel that the Elephant Polo match is absolutely unnecessary and

would create problems for captive elephants in India.

 

My main point of concern is not that HIS is participating in something

like

elephant polo (because I know they will ensure that all the right

things are

done) *but the message that it will send out to the rest of India. *

 

If the Government Elephant Camps, private owners, elephant brokers cite

elephant-polo as an example of revenue earning and try further to

popularize

the keeping of captive elephants in Kerala and the rest of India, we

will be

battling against all the ills of Indian elephant keeping as well as the

vested interests and trade of the Thailand Elephant Camps. The latter also

state conservation as their objective but the worst cruelties happen under

this label, much in the same way that religion alternates here.

 

The captive elephant lobby is trying to make as much money from these

animals and if Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) encourage their

plans,

then trade, elephant entertainment, elephant shows will find a new time

high........

 

Our study and research is trying to focus on the best ways that elephants

can be used in captivity. Their presence and usage in urban areas and in

animal entertainment has been rejected as a way forward for a captive

elephant solution. Instead there are many other avenues in the forest

areas

itself.

 

Also, the elephant in India has been given the status of a wild animal in

the WildLife Protection Act. Elephant physiology, biology and social needs

are totally different from a horse or any other domestic animal......this

has now also been globally recognized. Our aim would be to phase out

captive

elephant keeping in the next 10 years, giving a generation ample time to

gear into other forms of livelihoods. In Kerala, it is less of livelihood

and more of an investment for rich private owners, who number far more

than

temple ownerships. The elephant keeping supports a vast nexus of black

money, brokers, rentals, trade in tusks etc. To glamorize an activity like

elephant polo by animal welfare NGOs is to slow down the process and

loosen

pressure on the government and owners to phase out captive elephant

usage in

the tourism and entertainment industry.

 

In Rajasthan, the state itself is not a natural elephant range area. To

promote elephant keeping by exploring other forms of revenue earning from

them, would be to harm the concept of gradual phase-out, which everyone

agrees is the best possible solution to stop the trade and associated

cruelties with it. . Rajasthan is not an elephant range country. The heat

and desert dryness give rise to many and severe health problems for the

elephants. More than 5% elephants are blind due to corneal opacity arising

from extreme heat and glare. It is advisable that captive elephants are

phased out gradually in Jaipur and other parts of Rajasthan.

 

Since these elephants were a hand out from the Maharajas to their

erstwhile

mahouts, the maintenance, upkeep and housing is extremely sub-standard, as

is common all over India. The past mahouts are today's elephant owners and

use the animal to eke out a living.

 

The public loves animal sport......the flood gates will be open for a new

genre of entertainment and there will be many abuses and subversion

from any

original intentions. Along with, we may have to put up with sarcastic

comments like - " .........but it is an animal welfare NGO that is promoting

this.....why do you object? " With or without ankush has not much relevance

when it is known that an elephant has 109 sensitive points and a stick can

apply as much pain as an ankush, since these pain spots are known to the

mahouts.

 

For an NGO to organize an elephant polo match in Jaipur may be

controversial

but in the rest of India it will be a clarion call to use elephants for

sport and entertainment! The traders are looking for an excuse to increase

the buying and selling of elephant sub-adults and calves, mostly captured

from the wild. The age profile of Jaipur elephants reveal that owners

do not

keep an animal well into old age, but replace it with younger animals.

After

16-20 years of living in Jaipur and once the health problems becomes

apparent, the old stock is removed to be replaced by fresh, healthier

ones.

 

Captive elephant conditions has been the subject of a two year study by

WSPA-CUPA -ANCF (IISc) on management and an ongoing health assessment

survey at an all India level. The intricacies of the captive elephant

trade

and usage are complex and difficult to stamp out.

 

The NGO position will be diluted and made ambiguous by being a part of

entertainment activities organized for the captive elephant trade.

 

With regards and best wishes,

 

Suparna Ganguly.

 

Vice Presicent,

 

CUPA Bangalore

 

www.cupabangalore.org email: suparnaganguly

----

 

Ambika Shukla, Trustee, People for Animals - India

 

The Asian Age, New Delhi

 

Delhi Age

 

Monday 9, October 2006

 

Elephants are not suited for sports

 

Ambika Shukla

 

October 4 was World Animal Day. It is ironic that Cartier watches

should have chosen that date to announce a forthcoming promotion

featuring Elephant Polo - an event that may raise publicity and funds

for the organizers but will cause needless cruelty to Jaipur's long

suffering elephants.

 

Col Haathi's March:

 

The elephant's slow swinging gait, regarded as the epitome of feminine

grace (Gajagamini), is hardly suited to the speed of sport. To prod

and beat these gentle giants to run and chase balls is not only cruel,

but silly. Polo is a naturally fast game. Elephants are naturally slow

animals. To try and mix the two is unfair on both. If it's traumatic

for the animal, it is equally torturous for polo enthusiasts to see

the game robbed of any speed and thrill.

 

They aren't Players:

 

Polo is played in the afternoon when the sun is at its hottest in a

dry open treeless field. Elephants, however, are shade-loving

creatures. They hate the heat and have been known to lose their cool

from a prolonged stint in the sun. Unlike horses and camels whose feet

are shod, elephants have soft-soled feet like us humans. Imagine the

agony of walking or running barefoot on burning ground. Plus, being

pushed and jostled in a noisy, crowded melee. Totally frightening for

these shy and peace-loving animals.

 

Giant Bungle:

 

The international organizers of this foolishness are talking of

bringing in Hollywood stars. Hollywood is big on animal rights, and no

celebrity in their right mind would ever publicly endorse cruelty.

Participation, if any, will only be garnered by deliberate

misrepresentation (read lies). It is shameful that one of the

promoters who passes himself off as an elephant supporter, is seeking

legitimacy for the whole exercise by claiming that some of the funds

will go to his elephant charity. You don't put children to work to

raise funds to save them from working. The same applies to elephants

too. It's obviously illogical and self-contradictory.

 

The Real Players :

 

Elephants are just a tool, the real players in the game are the

organizers, the self-styled elephant man who's earning himself a

packet, the sponsor that's coughing up the moolah to fund this

misguided madness and the Rajasthan government presiding over the

whole tamasha.

 

This is the same government that has seen the tiger disappear from the

national parks in its jurisdiction, the same government that denied

water to Bharatpur drying up the bird sanctuary, the same government

which sees no contradiction in its minister for mining also holding

the forest portfolio. What else can be expected ?

 

Bright Lights, Small City :

 

Recently, when a young elephant, Roopkali was hit and killed in a road

accident in Mumbai, the whole city banded together to demand that

people stop using elephants in the city. Their " owners " operate with

sham licenses. They once may have had an elephant for whom they had a

license. When that elephant died, they simply got another one but

continued to use the same license. The Maharashtra state government

has responded with a plan to micro-chip existing elephants. Much

better, though, to simply pay some compensation and remove the

elephants to the nearest national sanctuary. Elephants have no place

or space in a city. Jaipur's some 40 elephants are tethered in small

gallis with no good, water or medical aid. They ply up and down for

the tourists until they die.

 

Jungle Story :

 

Elephants belong in the jungle where they live in close-knit family

groups, love their young and mourn their dead just like us. We have no

business snatching them from their home and family for

" entertainment " . By law, elephants are protected under the Wildlife

Protection Act. By right, elephants are protected under the law of

nature. Tamashas that misuse animals are as primitive as ancient

gladiatorial sports. They have no place in a so-called civilized

national. With its rich cultural heritage, Rajasthan can do much

better than torture animals to titillate tourists.

 

Ambika Shukla,

 

Trustee, People for Animals- India

 

email: ambikashukla

----

 

Anuradha Sawhney, Chief Functionary, PETA-India

 

October 12, 2006

 

Smt. Vasundhara Raje

Chief Minister of Rajasthan

 

Respected Madam,

 

We have read that a polo match with elephants is being organized in

Jaipur on 18 November 06 and we are writing to you from People for

the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to ask for your help

in stopping this proposed act of immense cruelty.

 

Elephants are highly intelligent and sentient animals. The fact is

that elephants do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads,

balance on balls, jump through rings of fire or play polo. To force

them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks,

elephants are typically trained with extremely brutal methods that

inflict pain, domination and fear. Many trainers still use cruel

raining-beating elephants with bullhooks and keeping them chained

for long hours.

 

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that nearly all

captive elephants are captured from the wild. Taken from their

families and homeland, captured elephants suffer a life of chronic

physical ailments, social deprivation, emotional starvation, and

premature death. These magnificent animals, when captured, are

robbed of their most basic needs, including social companionship and

adequate space to exercise.

 

With the number of elephants in the wild dwindling, it is

irresponsible to waste time and man power on training them for

frivolous activities. It is critical that money and efforts be

redirected towards conservation and research into how to put into

effect government programs that ensure the survival of the species,

like establishing and safeguarding corridors, for instance.

 

It is also immensely important that the government focus on

establishing sanctuaries for elephants already in captivity to

ensure that they have a safe and healthy permanent home. It is

indeed disheartening when elephants are instead allowed to be

exploited for activities such as a polo game, when they deserve to

be retired and rehabilitated in sanctuaries.

 

We beseech you to look into this matter and prevent the occurrence

of the match in Jaipur. This is an issue holding tremendous

significance and it is thus necessary for you to take immediate

action. Instead of allowing people to exploit elephants for such

pursuits, we humbly request you to stress on the conservation of

this endangered species.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anuradha Sawhney

 

Chief Functionary

PETA- India, www.petaindia.org email: anuradhas

----

 

Edward Berry, Moderator, Elephant Commentator

 

According to a recent book, THE MEDICI GIRAFFE And Other Tales of

Exotic Animals and Power by Marina Belozerskaya,1. the New York Times

reviewer,William Grimes, noted that Pompey, an infamous Roman emperor,

...... gathered hundreds of animals for a mass slaughter in the Circus

Maximus to restore his fading popularity with the Roman public. For

four days, before crowds of 150,000 or more, man and beast fought to

the death. Predators attacked terrified prey. The crowd roared with

delight. And then something strange happened. Late in the games, a

group of elephants, realizing that they were cornered by hunters with

spears, began to wail and moan. The sentiment of the crowd moved in

favor of the elephants, regarded by the Romans as intelligent and

virtuous. (Pliny

told the story of an elephant who once wrote in the sand, in Greek

letters, " I, the elephant, wrote this. " ) Miscalculating, Pompey

orderedthe elephants slain, bringing the curses of the crowd down on

his head.

The games failed....2.

Now, over 2000 years later, in the 21st century, we are using

elephants for the entertainment of the populace, arranged by our

rulers, in the form of " elephant polo " . Well, the populace is once

again just beginning to side with the elephants. Not only does

elephant polo bring to mind the Roman Circus, it also brings to mind

fox-hunting, big game hunting, circus acts, elephant culls, the ivory

industy, and the many miserable zoos all over the world. The

exploitation and torment of elephants goes on. And with the blessing

of the elete and of course, governments.

 

The members of The Elephant Commentator have occasionally discussed

elephant polo, but as the " sport " isn't well known in North America,

there has been a lack of background information, whereas there is with

circuses and zoos. There isn't the plethora of information about the

abuses happening behind the scenes, as there is with our usual

subjects of investigation. So the discussions have drifted off,

without the needed factual background to make sense of this somewhat

alien entertainment. Now, with Azam, , and Dame Daphne

pointing out

what should, perhaps, have been obvious to elephant-lovers, we are

beginning to develop a slow burn about this spectacle. Much needs to

be ferreted out about the behind-the-scenes treatment of the elephants

and to reflect about why this is allowed to continue in our times, and

totake appropriate action.

 

Edward Berry, Moderator,

 

The Elephant Commentator

 

edpipeline

 

http://groups.msn.com/TheElephantCommentator

http://groups.msn.com/TheElephantCommentator

 

1. Belozershaya, Marina. The Medici Giraffe And Other Tales of Exotic

Animals and Power. Little, Brown & Company, 2006

2. William Grimes, " Where Wild Things Are Perks of Power " The New York

Times August 25, 2006

----

 

Dr. John Wedderburn, Moderator, Asian Animal Protection Network (AAPN)

 

Usually, as Moderator, I stand back and let others do the arguing.

 

But I need to join in the fray on this issue. I fully understand the

good intentions of those who have been working to introduce ankus-free

polo matches. But the exploitation of these magnificent beasts is

unacceptable whether or not an ankus is used on the field.

 

The use of these wonderful animals for human entertainment is

absolutely wrong in principle. Ms Townend says, " the 15-20 private

companies which hold polo matches in Jaipur every season ...........

cannot be prevented at present from holding these matches. " I am sure

Ms Townend would agree that if they could be prevented altogether that

would be preferable to making them ankus-free.

 

 

I believe they can be prevented if everyone unites.

 

 

Let's unite!

 

 

John Wedderburn,

 

Asian Animal Protection Network. www.aapn.org email: john

----

 

Kisor Chaudhuri, FRGS, Wildlife Management Consultant

 

Mr R N Mehrotra IFS

 

PCCF & CWLW, Rajasthan

 

Dear Mr Mehrotra

 

This refers to the telephonic discussion we had this morning and my

request for your intervention in stopping the oncoming Elephant Polo

show to be held at Jaipur on 18 November 2006. This rather cruel and

unnecessary event of forcing the giant elephants to run around in heat

and dust to amuse a few outlandish fun seekers will, at the cost of

life and pride of elephants, only help make a few bucks by a few

ambitious travel writers and tour operators.

 

On behalf of all concerned about the conservation and welfare of Asian

elephants, I request you to take the necessary steps to ensure denial

of further ridicule to this hapless giant and not allow the advent of

the dark days of " elephant shows " as organized in Lampang, Chiangmai

province of Thailand. (A letter is also posted to you by postal mail

in this regard). Thanks

 

Kisor Chaudhuri FRGS

 

Wildlife Management Consultant

 

52 Lake Avenue, Calcutta 700 026

 

Tel (33) 2464 6904 / 94334 53426 email: kisorpapri

----

 

Virginia McKenna, OBE, Chair of the Trustees, The Born Free Foundation

 

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

 

www.bornfree,org.uk email: virginia

----

 

Belinda Wright, OBE, Executive Director, Wildlife Protection Society

of India ( WPSI )

 

Dear Mark and Chris,

 

Is `Elephant Family' and `Help in Suffering' really supporting an

elephant polo tournament in Jaipur ?!

 

 

Mark of an elephant man

 

I fail to see how elephant polo will " give dignity back to the

elephant " ... if anything, it does quite the opposite; the huge roaring

crowds merely perceive the elephants as amusing and controllable, and

it certainly doesn't appear to be in line with one of the `5 freedoms'

[listed in the " Jaipur: project overview " on the Elephant Family's web

site] of - freedom from fear and distress. There have also been many

such elephant polo events and I know of no incident where " high

profile " members of the audience have later " put pressure on governments " .

 

You know that I greatly admire all your efforts to help the poor

elephants of Amber, but the big picture is to save elephants in the

wild, and to provide dignity and care to those in captivity. Let's not

stray from that goal and make fools out of these would-be wild animals.

 

With warm regards, Belinda

 

=======================================================

Belinda Wright, OBE

Executive Director, Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI)

S-25 Panchsheel Park, New Delhi 110017, India

Tel: (Int+ 91.11) 4163.5920 & 4163.5921

Fax: (Int+ 91.11) 4163.5924

E-mail:

 

email: wpsi www.wpsi-india.org

----

 

Jane T.R. Dewar, Founder, Gorilla Haven, President, Dewar Wildlife

Trust, Inc.

 

The Secretary

Government of India

Ministry of Environment & Forests

Paryavaran Bhavan

CGO Complex, Lodhi Road

New Delhi - 110 003.

(INDIA).

 

Dear Sirs and Madams,

 

As someone who has dedicated my life to the welfare and conservation

of another large and intelligent mammal, the gorilla, I share the

shock and outrage of the people listed below and elsewhere, at the

plans to use the elephants of India in such a cruel and inappropriate

manner and urge you to stop this show for selfish people at the

expense of a wonderful and noble animal like the Indian elephant.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jane T.R. Dewar

Founder, Gorilla Haven www.gorilla-haven.org Email:

jdewar

 

President , Dewar Wildlife Trust, Inc.

Morganton, GA, USA

----

 

Jill Robinson, MBE, Founder and CEO, Animals Asia Foundation

 

The message and precedent of using magnificent, endangered mammals in

this way is disturbing and unquestionably wrong.

 

Jill Robinson, MBE, Founder and CEO, Animals Asia Foundation

 

TEL: (852) 27912225

 

http://www.animalsasia.org email: jrobinson

 

----

 

Snehal Bhatt, Chairperson, Gujrat- SPCA

 

I am totally against it and tell me where should i write to protest.i

think we should start protest from the day when we know about it.i am

also objecting to the dog shows which are one of the cruel sport and a

hypocratic sport.i also do not allow any elephant in city area for any

reason.so i am always with you all everybody knows it.

 

Snehal

 

email: snehalbhattgspca

----

 

Manoj Oswal, PETA member

 

12th October` 2006

 

I am quite surprized that HIS is part of this foolishness called Elephant

Polo, HIS is well known for its selfless service to the animals. I

also read

the email by their trustee. I think inspite of all their

justifications the

following issues need to be answered.

 

1. It is claimed that the elephants will play only for 10 minutes, is this

practical?

2. Polo is a game of speed, quite like hockey and football, men and horses

are swift, are we expecting elephants to match their speed and agility?

3. To make an elephant take the role of David Bekham, do you think word

overflowing with love and some fruits would be enough? Won't there be

hidden

if not open cruelties comprable to circuses involved in the whole

process? *This

is like making another budhia run a marathon to highlight the perils of

child labour. Once cruelty to highlight another cruelty.? Does it make

sense?*

4. Are we not washing down all the efforts done by Animal Rights

organizations, over the years in ending all such `tourist attractions'

that

torture animals. We stopped the program in Assam. Bear Dances in 5 star

hotels and snake charmers on streets. This will create a new precedent and

cause many more such events all over India. We won't even be able to

counter it (Even Animal Rights organizations do it, its harmless - an

argument that will be too difficult to counter)

5. What about the cruelties inflicted on elephants when they were captured

and trained, are we not creating a market for more to be caught from the

wild and `trained'. HIS may give a attention to animal welfare, when the

idea is replicated elsewhere, do you expect mahouts to have all the

love and

patience to train the animals.

 

If we really want to promote elephants I am sure there should be fantastic

documentaties highlighting the intelligence of Elephant and many videos

about cruelties to these mangificient creatures when they are captured and

train, that will get people go back with a better message that this stupid

game. If this is not enough to attract sponsors, we animal rights

organizations are much better off without the sponsors and foreign

delegation visits. The absence of them doesn't start a wrong precdent at

least.

 

While we in Pune and Mumbai are trying hard to get Elephants off the

street

after the terrible road accident in Chembur. Such events will only create

hurdles for us.

 

And all about compassion trainig... PLEASE I want to see how Elephants can

be taught polo with words full of compassion..

 

Regards

 

Manoj Oswal

 

email: manoj

----

 

, Wildlife Researcher and Animal Rights Activist

 

As the former coordinator of the Indian Zoo Inquiry project conducted

by Zoocheck Canada and Compassionate Crusaders Trust

 

and having undergone professional training in captive wildlife

management at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Channel Islands,

 

UK, I can categorically state that the proposed elephant polo match in

Jaipur on 18th November, 2006,is unnecessary and cruel.

 

Such an event violates the dignity of the animals and should be

stopped immediately.

 

,

 

Wildlife Researcher and Animal Rights Activist

 

email: journalistandanimals Ph: +91 9339430479

----

 

Debashish Chakrabarti, Founder Trustee, Compassionate Crusaders Trust,

Managing Trustee, PFA- Kolkata

 

" Anybody under the sun, having info on how wild elephants are TAMED

will hang his/her head in shame as part of the human race !! "

 

Debashish Chakrabarti

 

Founder Trustee, Compassionate Crusaders Trust

 

Managing Trustee, People for Animals- Kolkata

 

email: animalcrusader Ph: 09433055055

----

 

Jordi Casamitjana, Zoologist and Animal Protection campaigner, UK

 

To whom it may concern.

 

It will not be a surprise to anyone that people of different cultures

relate to animals in different ways.What is common and accepted in

some places is rare and rejected in others. In the name of culture

each of our own ethnic groups has sealed into history its own

idiosyncrasies, rituals and extravagancies, with little regard of what

others may think or understand. However, the `luxury' of doing

whatever we want with whom we manage to catch and `slave' is something

no longer acceptable in today's world. Today, in the 21st century, we

do not longer live in isolation, and everyone can rightly judge each

other's actions using common sense and universal ethical values.

 

Nobody living in the 21st century belonging to what we collectively

call `humankind' can accept cruelty to others as a valid form of

entertainment. Nobody that demands the right to civilisation can

institutionalise slavery and exploitation as a valid form of

celebration. Nobody with the knowledge of what means to be alive, to

suffer pain and to seek peace and happiness can justify captive

chains, hitting sticks, pulling prods and restraining ropes as the

tools and methods of clean " sport " .

 

Nobody in the 21st century that aims to be considered `decent' can

support cruel sports, and nobody can really deny that elephant polo is

a cruel sport. Elephant polo for what it is, and for what it truly

represents, should be abolish from this planet. All elephants deserve

the respect that anyone forcing them to `play' polo denies them.

People that attend and participate in elephant polo matches may not

accept that there is anything wrong with riding elephants and force

them to play a `human' game under the penalty of pain and suffering if

they refuse. They may be blinded with the delusion that man domination

over `beast' is a `human right', and the form of such dominion and the

beast chosen to exploit is a `cultural right'.

 

It is therefore the responsibility of all those who do `see' to make

them aware of their errors, and to awake `abusers' to the reality of

what they are doing and planning to do.

 

Therefore, this is a message to all those organising the Rajasthan

Elephant Festival, and to all those planning to attend: please awake.

Please do not join those that inflict suffering in denial. Please do

not force elephants to play polo, because they would never force you

to `play' their `games' against your will. Please, awake and be

decent, and celebrate a cruelty free festival. The choice is entirely

yours. Nobody is forcing you to disrespect them.

 

Jordi Casamitjana

 

Zoologist and Animal Protection campaigner, UK

 

email: jordi.casamitjana

----

 

Craig Redmond, Campaign Manager, The Captive Animals' Protection

Society, UK

 

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

 

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

----

 

Alan Knight, OBE, Chief Executive, International Animal Rescue ( IAR ), UK

 

" Using captive wild animals for entertainment will never be

acceptable. The fact that the ankush is not to be used akes no

difference to the fact that these majestic animals belong in the wild,

and should be no part of such a

pointless and inappropriate spectacle " .

 

Allan Knight, OBE, International Animal Rescue, UK

 

Lis Key, Communications Manager, International Animal Rescue ( IAR ), UK

 

" Exploiting elephants, or any other wild animal for that matter, for

entertainment, will always be wrong, no matter what the ultimate point of

doing so " .

www.iar.org.ukemail: info

----

 

Pei F. Su, Director, ACTAsia for Animals,

 

ACTAsia for Animals would like to support the local efforts to stop

the elephant polo match from taking place in November. ACTAsia is an

organisation set up by Asian animal activists to develop and promote

sustainable and professional animal advocacy. It aims to provide

knowledge, expertise, tools and platforms for Asian animal activists

and groups, through training, mentoring and networking. I have worked

closely with Rob Laidlaw in the past on Asian zoo issues.

 

It would be useful if someone could post a list of

individuals/organisations that we can protest to, and let us know if

there is any other action we can take to help stop this event. I have

seen a few names in different emails, but no consolidated list, and

this might be useful for other organisations as well. Just to clarify,

are you both co-ordinating on leading this campaign? I viewed the

original article in the Financial Express, and there aren't any

comments there - maybe groups could also post there?

 

Also, as this appears to be a tourist event, would it be worth

targeting the tourists and asking them to boycott such events? Where

do the majority come from? What about targeting the sponsors of such

events? Elephant polo appears to be an issue in Nepal, Thailand and

Sri Lanka as well, although I haven't seen any input from groups there

- has any group contacted you from any of those countries?

 

I would also be happy just to send you a statement to use as you see

fit - please let me know how we can help.

 

Best regards

 

Pei

 

Pei F. Su

 

 

ACTAsia for Animals

 

email: pei

----

 

Praveen Ohal, CEO, HOPE and Animal Trust

 

Dear Friends,

 

I personally feel that any animal should be given freedom of life in

their own natural environment - anything against this is cruelty

 

Making elephants play games of human interest is wrong and we all

should come together to stop this nonsence.

 

with best regards,

 

Praveen Ohal

 

CEO, HOPE and Animal Trust

 

www.hopeandanimal.org, email: praveenohal

 

----

 

 

Ambika Shukla, Columnist, The Asian Age Newspaper

 

To

 

Madame Borgoltz,

 

MD, Cartier Inc

 

51 Rue Francois Premier 75008

 

Paris

 

Dear Madame Borgoltz,

 

I do hope this will find its way to you and not be waylaid by a

secretary or other company official. The reason I am addressing this

appeal directly to you is because it takes courage and compassion to

reverse any company decision.

 

You have been told that elephant polo is not a cruel sport and that

elephants are not beaten or ill treated in the course of the game.

This may be so but it ignores the fundamental issue that to be

available to participate in events like these and other tourist

frivolities, elephants continue to be kept in cities like Jaipur which is

 

totally inimical to their well being.

 

The elephant is a tropical, shade-loving shy creature whose natural

habitat is the jungle. He lives in a loving family group which cares

for its young and mourns its dead just like us. Contrast this then

with the conditions elephants must endure in modern cities:

 

Absence of space: Elephants enjoy the space and quiet of the jungle.

In cities they are kept continuously tethered with iron shackles.

Jaipur's some 40 elephants are tethered in narrow, noisy streets with

just room to sit or stand. Here they live till they die deprived of

their natural food, their family and their freedom. This has been

documented on film.

 

The Ground beneath their feet: Unlike horses and camels which are

shoed, elephants have soft-soled feet just like ours. Imagine the

agony of having to walk on burning city tarmac on naked feet. To go

anywhere in the city, they must walk scores of miles on hard paved

roads, cutting , bruising and burning their feet.

 

No shade or water: Elephants hate the heat and direct sun. Indian

cities are ferociously hot most of the year with little shade or

vegetation. Elephants are especially ill-suited to the desert state of

Rajasthan and its capital city Jaipur. Here they must endure

temperatures as high as 50 degrees centigrade, dust laden winds that

sting their eyes, and biting cold through the winter nights. Tied in

the street with no foliage cover, they have abolutely no protection

from the elements.

 

Short, stressful lives: An elephant's natural lifespan is over 100

years. In a city, he is lucky to survive 25. Apart from the hostile

environmental conditions, there are traffic accidents with elephants

frequently being hit by careless truck and lorry drivers. Just

recently when yet another elephant was killed in a traffic accident in

Mumbai, its actors, lawyers and industrialists joined together to

demand that the local government prohibit the use of elephants in cities.

 

As you can see, a city is no place for an elephant. The only reason

they are here is because of the revenue being earned from exploiting

them mainly for the tourist trade. The more commercial events that use

elephants, the longer they will be forced to remain in miserable

captivity. The less use the city has for them, the quicker the

elephants can find release.

 

I do not doubt that Cartier would never knowingly associate itself

with cruelty and that the intentions of the organisers are honourable.

However, I am sure that you will now agree that this proposed Elephant

Polo event will do more long-term harm to the cause of elephants than

any short-term goal of raising money for their welfare can. It will

glamourise this hitherto little patronised 'sport', breed more

copy-cat events and make it more profitable than ever to keep

elephants in bondage in cities thereby perpetuating their terrible

suffering.

 

If the company does want to help India's and particularly Jaipur's

elephants, the best way is not to use them and by publicly

dissociating yourself from this event, highlight the injustice of

keeping elephants in urban areas. That will better promote the Cartier

brand as an intelligent, sensitive, truly progressive choice.

 

Please do the right and honourable thing. This is just one of many

promotional events for Cartier, for the few remaining elephants of

India it could be a matter of life or a living death.

 

Counting on your consideration,

 

Sincerely

 

Ambika Shukla

 

Columnist, The Asian Age Newspaper

 

New Delhi

----

 

Maria Nika, Animal Advocate, Greece

 

I am an animal advocate from a country far away from yours: Greece. I

have read a lot during the last days on this " sport for the wealthy "

and I must say I was deeply shocked and above all worried for the

future of these wonderful animals, which are being exploited and

humiliated in the most inhumane ways.

 

I have read a lot on the issue -letters and e-mails from many people

experienced on such issues and I learned many interesting things. But

the most important thing I found was how irrational and inhumane are

for the animals such activities. I am not an expert but in my mind

occurs a simple question: What, for God's sake, has a circus

performance or a " sport for the rich and famous " to do with a wild,

social, enormous animal, whose normal life includes wandering in the

jungle, eating plants, playing with water? When will humanity

understand that the universe was not made just to serve human? We are

just creatures of the same nature with elephants, dogs, birds, mice,

even warms. Have no doubt, all these creatures' lives are of the same

importance. What has possibly given us the right to exploit and

torture animals at will?

 

I read that some big, multinational companies are sponsoring the

event. Well, that is no surprise to me. Companies are not interested

in anyone's life (especially a beast's life somewhre in the Third

World) and most of them would sell their souls to the devil for some

millions of dollars profit. The question for me is what the rest of

the people do. Many people in my country and elsewhere learned up to

now to recognize your country as one of long and precious tradition

and civilization. We regard your religion as one, which preaches

peaceful coexistence among all nature's creatures. Also, I read from

time to time for tremendous efforts taking place there in order to

protect wildlife, release imprisoned animals, offer relief and shelter

to tortured and abused animals, prevent smuggling and other

unspeakable crimes against our four- or two-legged friends. How could

such initiatives get combined with " Elephant polo " -stuff or other

activities of this kind?

 

We are anxiously waiting to hear from you, hoping that all this ends

before it starts. The reputation of your country and the compassion

and respect that man is OBLIGED to give to all creatures under the

eyes of God, offer no other solution.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Maria Nika,

 

Animal advocate from Greece, email: mani

----

 

Roy Jones BSc PhD, Wildlife Project Manager (Asia), World Society for

the Protection of Animals (WSPA)

 

I am writing on behalf of the World Society for the Protection of

Animals (WSPA), the world's largest federation of animal welfare

groups, with over 700 Member Societies in more than 145 countries.

WSPA is recognized by the United Nations and works to raise the

standards of animal welfare throughout the world.

 

WSPA's policies fundamentally oppose both:

 

the use, confinement, exhibition or performance of wild animals for

commercial gain and/or human entertainment; and

 

the use of animals in sport or for entertainment when such use is

contrary to the animals' nature, or may involve suffering or adversely

affect the animals' welfare.

 

WSPA must, therefore, object in principle to the forthcoming elephant

polo match scheduled to take place in Jaipur on 18th November 2006.

Despite organizers taking precautions to ensure that the most severe

elephant welfare concerns are addressed at the event, WSPA shares the

concerns raised by many others on www.freewebs.com/elephantpolo

regarding the use of elephants in a polo tournament in Jaipur. This

event, if it goes ahead, will only serve to perpetuate the use of

elephants in polo matches, particularly in other countries where

elephant welfare concerns are not addressed appropriately.

 

Best regards,

 

Jones BSc PhD

 

Wildlife Project Manager (Asia )http://wspa.org.uk email:

RoyJones

 

N.B. WSPA and WWF Finland fund a humane elephant training project in

Nepal and a website has been created giving basic information on this

project and on humane elephant training methods in general. The link

for anyone interested in finding out more is:

http://koti.welho.com/htelkanr/elephant_training.htm

----

 

Pradeep Kumar Nath, VISAKHA-SPCA, Andhra Pradesh, India

 

Dear All,

 

Animals big or small is not acceptable to me for any kind or form of

curelties.

 

The present situation of elephant polo is highly deplorable

specifically in term of the animal.

 

In this regard it is just imposssible to hear the word elephant polo.

 

Having gone through the highly sensitive discussions in this formun I

put forward a few points for immediate consideration and action before

it is too late on these dialogues.

 

Firstly , I totally endorse Christine manner of approaching to solve

the elephant polo issue which was based on her intellignece and

experience.

 

At the sametime if there are supporters to oppose this totally from

the beginning it may be done immediately. Perhaps the time for this is

very limited but the approach apart from Chrisitne's effort should be

done now. There are more expert and excellent views on this issue to

be stopped but action has not come forward. We are very limted as Kim

has rightly pointed out.

 

The nearest sympathisers should go ahead with all that is needed to

stop or add impetus to what Christine has decided to highlight the

issue and eventually stop it and not waste anymore time . Maybe the

advocates of wildlife campaigners have the onus on them to approach

now seriously and do practical solution. Time is running out.

 

I feel the following maybe considered :

# to approach AWBI to stop this immdiately through the Union Ministry

of Environment and Forest, Delhi.

# to bring this to the notice of The Forest Department at the Ministry

level and stop this cruel practice.

# to approach the High Court at Rajasthan to bring a stay to this

entertainment.

# to bring awareness among the media and the public in Rajasthan to

raise protests.

 

Multipronged efforts adding much strength to Christine's efforts will

surely win for the elephants.

 

I do not see any problem in saving the elephants from this tragedy

when there is so much discussions and experts giving their views.

 

At the sametime I give all credit to Christine for starting this

campaign against elephant polo in her practical manner and we all

other remaining animal lovers should help the distressed elephants

from literal torture.

 

ELEPHANT POLO what a constitution for the animals.

 

I maybe excused for any sensitive remarks but felt that action is

needed more now and allow respect to Christine's efforts whom I regard

as the strongest animal advocate ever and her works are known to all.

Approaching with her ideas and working together on this issue with all

the avenues available will be best.

 

My best regards,

Pradeep Kumar Nath,

VSPCA.

 

http://www.visakhaspca.org/ email: vspcadeep

----

 

Maria Daines, British Singer and Patron of Cornwall's Voice For Animals

 

I find it hard to understand why people wish to see wild animals

behaving in an unnatural manner, in 2006? For entertainment? Whilst I

understand some funds raised from elephant polo matches is given to

elephant conservation societies, I would implore the organisers to

find another way to support charities caring for elephants. These

highly intelligent andgentle friends of the earth are of unique

temperament and I believe using their sensitive bodies to play games

is betraying their trust.

Maria Daines

email: maria

 

http://www.maria-daines.com

http://www.myspace.com/mariadaines

http://www.myspace.com/musicunitedforanimals

http://justnicephotos.homestead.com/CVFA.html

----

 

Ross Minett, Director, Advocates for Animals, UK

 

Dear Friends,

 

Advocates for Animals, Scotland's leading animal protection, has

recently joined calls for an end to elephant polo. As you may be

aware, Scotland has a very successful elephant polo team. In a recent

News Release , see www.advocatesforanimals.org we have called for the

Scottish team's captain, the Duke of Argyll, and its sponsor, Chivas

Regal Whisky, to end their association with this `sport'.

 

It would be very helpful if other organisations and individuals could

politely contact the Duke of Argyll and Pernod Ricard (which owns

Chivas Regal Whisky), expressing concerns about elephant polo. Contact

details are below and I would be grateful if you could kindly send me

a copy of your letter/e-mail and any responses you receive.

 

The Duke of Argyll

 

Argyll Estates Office

Cherry Park

Inveraray

Argyll

 

Scotland, UK

PA32 8XE

 

enquiries

 

http://www.inveraray-castle.com/Pages/content.asp?PageID=166

 

Mr Patrick Ricard

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pernod Ricard

 

12, Place des Etats-Unis

75783 Paris Cedex-16

France

 

media.relations

 

see:

http://www.chivas.com/SubSection.aspx?sectionid=1 & subsectionid=50 & languageid=1 & s\

iteid=1 & contenttype=0 & contentid=0

 

Many thanks indeed.

 

Yours

 

ROSS MINETT

 

Advocates for Animals

10 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PG, Scotland, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 6039

Fax: +44 (0) 131 220 6377

http://www.advocatesforanimals.org