Guest guest Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Dear Ms Borgoltz, Your response, " defending " Cartier's sponsorship of Elephant Polo is exactly how the purveyors of apes in advertising justify their own misguided us of animals in the name of entertainment or so-called " conservation. " My experience and expertise is with gorillas, but there are striking similarities between gorillas and elephants, not just their size and intelligence, but their individual personalities and sensitivities. I equate using baby chimps/orangutans/monkeys in advertising to Child Pornography. The " children " in both cases - just like the elephants in your claim - are not going to be " abused " with whips or overt mistreatment, but they are doing things totally unnatural to them, in the name of " education " or " entertainment " just like this notion of elephants playing polo. Indeed, I'm sure during the " use " of these animals, they are given treats and special treatment, making those using them in such unnatural ways possibly sincerely believe they are not doing anything wrong, but missing the entire point: The abuse is using the animals in this unnatural way in the first place! Why couldn't Cartier and the sponsors just have the elephants gathered together to illustrate how they'd live naturally, while simultaneously giving the education message of better treatment for them? You're doing the polo part as a way to appeal to the humans you hope to educate or get as clients, and yet you're giving them mixed signals, to say the least! Elephant polo or a chimpanzee in a suit and tie pretending to be a businessman can only tell people it's ok for animals to be used for our own amusement/purposes. And that's a shame. Shame for the elephants, but shame on Cartier and the other sponsors of this misguided farce. Sincerely, Jane Dewar Founder, Gorilla Haven President, Dewar Wildlife Trust, Inc. Publisher, Gorilla Gazette - Cartier Jane T. R. Dewar Monday, November 13, 2006 6:44 AM RE: Letter Dear Ms Dewar, Many thanks for expressing your concern about the potential cruelty to elephants at the Alternative Elephant Polo event, which Cartier is sponsoring. Please be assured that Cartier would under no circumstances associate themselves with an event which involves animal cruelty. As a world-wide corporation we are lending our voice to support the animal protection advocates and conservationists who want to see a better world for elephants. We hope that other corporations might follow our example of support for NGO's who are sincere and strenuously work to alleviate the suffering of elephants, both in the wild and in captivity. In the 'Alternative Elephant Polo', which we are sponsoring, the elephants will not be subject to any cruelty or harmful behaviour. No ankush is used. Indeed not even a stick is used (apart from the long polo stick used to hit the ball). The elephants ramble about the field, in the cool late afternoon, for a maximum period of ten minutes. The elephants otherwise would be chained in cement, standing in excrement, lacking exercise and mental stimulation which, as you know, they need so much. The elephants enjoy being together in a wide open space and being able to stretch their legs. As you know, with all species of animals, physiologically it is important. that they are able to run sometimes as well as to walk. With urgings from the bare feet of the mahout, it is scarcely likely that the elephant can be cruelly forced to move if she does not chose to do so. We recognise that the way the elephants have been kept in Jaipur for hundreds of years cannot be stopped overnight, and we support the idea that through educational reform, a permanent change can be brought about in the attitude of the elephant owners and mahouts. This is already happening, as you know doubt have read of the improvements in captive elephant welfare achieved by Help in Suffering in partnership with Elephant Family in Jaipur. At our event, celebrities will sign a board headed 'What We Want for the Elephants'. We hope this will bring attention to the need for improvements in conditions of both captive and wild elephants in India. It is our belief that by demonstrating that there is no need to use the ankush (the use of which has now been banned in Jaipur due to the work of HIS/ef) we can show the way towards new training methods, and renewed compassion and understanding for the elephant which has worked alongside humans in Jaipur for so many hundreds of years. Sincerely, Christine Borgoltz Director of External Relations Jane T. R. Dewar [jdewar] 03 November 2006 17:25 secymenf; gajendra; rnmehrotra; gandhim; cjt; info; emtrust; macshand; timmiekumar; suparnaganguly; Rob ZooCheck; virginia; royjones; animalcrusader; bwright; azamsiddiqui; ruth.powys; hisjpr; kalimpong; rnbglasgow; juneharney; mandy; kisorpapri; Cartier Cc: ; Asian Animal Protection; CESD A Re: Letter 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 President, Dewar Wildlife Trust, Inc. Morganton, GA, USA A.N. Prasad Director (Project Elephant) Government of India Ministry of Environment & Forests Paryawaran Bhawan, CGO Complex Lodi Road, NEW DELHI - 110 003 INDIA E-Mail : gajendra rnmehrotra Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan info gandhim cjt , info, emtrust, macshand, timmiekumar, suparnaganguly, rob, virginia, royjones, animalcrusader, bwright , azamsiddiqui, ruth.powys, hisjpr, kalimpong, rnbglasgow, juneharney, mandy, gandhim, kisorpapri, rnmehrotra , contact.uk 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 theBurning 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 18 th. 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 Director 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. 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 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.. Manoj Oswal 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 18 th 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 21 st 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 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 Director 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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