Jaipur Elephant Festival comes under fire from animal rights activists

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Animal activists criticise Elephant Festival

From correspondents in Rajasthan, India, 09:03 PM IST

 

Animal activists have criticised the Elephant Festival organised here by the

state government, saying it was cruel to the animals.

 

Tug of war, elephant beauty contest and elephant polo were the major

attractions of the weekend festival.

 

'Despite the worldwide objections on elephant polo tourism department

organised this event, which is shameful', Naresh Kadyan, chairman, People

for Animal, Haryana said in a statement. He alleged that that the poor

elephants were forced to do things against their capacity.

 

Elephant polo is criticised worldwide by all major animal welfare groups,

including Peta India, an animal rights group. Animal activists points out

that elephants are highly intelligent and sentient animals.

 

'To force them to perform physically uncomfortable tricks or obey confusing

commands, trainers use extremely cruel methods that inflict pain and instil

fear. Many trainers beat elephants with bull hooks and keep them chained for

long periods of time', Peta India said in a statement.

 

'Nearly all captive Indian elephants have been captured from the wild. Taken

from their natural homes and families, captive elephants suffer from chronic

physical ailments, social and emotional deprivation and premature death',

Peta said.