Guest guest Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml? xml=/news/2006/11/15/wpolo15.xml Camilla's brother rides out polo protest Camilla's brother rides out polo protest By Peter Foster in New Delhi Last Updated: 1:58am GMT 15/11/2006 Mark Shand, the elephant conservationist and brother of the Duchess of Cornwall, is facing protests from eminent animal welfare experts over plans to stage an elephant polo match in the Indian city of Jaipur this weekend. Mr Shand, author of the best-selling Travels on my Elephant, said he organised the match, sponsored by the jewellers, Cartier, to " give dignity back to the elephant " . A host of international celebrities will take part in the match before being encouraged to put pressure on governments over the plight of wild elephants. However several animal welfare groups, including the World Society for the Protection of Animals and the Born Free Foundation have launched a petition for the match to be stopped. " 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, " wrote the WPSA. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, considered the foremost expert on hand rearing elephants, said the match was " insensitive and cruel " . Mr Shand said the protests were drummed up by animal rights activists seeking free publicity. " They've been playing elephant polo here [in Jaipur] for years. The animals will be humanely treated, " he said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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