Elephant Polo: Captive Animals Protection Society issues official statement

[Guest guest]

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Captive Animals' Protection Society (CAPS) comment on the use of elephants

in polo matches

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January 2007

 

 

 

Animal rights advocates should have no hesitation in opposing the use of

elephants in polo matches, just as they would oppose their use in circuses

or confinement in zoos.

 

Those who claim that the elephants 'enjoy' their involvement in polo matches

are as misguided – or disingenuous – as those who would have us believe

elephants enjoy performing in the circus ring.

 

Rather than providing the captive elephants of Asia with exercise and a

diversion from their usual routine of carrying tourists in busy streets,

using them in polo matches actually contributes another excuse for keeping

these magnificent animals in captivity. The more popular elephant polo

becomes, and – more worryingly – the more support it gathers from people

claiming to be advocates of elephant welfare, the harder it is to end the

captivity and abuse of these animals.

 

Having seen elephants 'playing football' in circuses, perhaps defenders of

elephant polo can explain to us the difference? Whether an ankus is or isn't

used in the circus ring or on the polo field, one can guarantee that these

implements of torture, or at least other cruel methods of control, will be

prominent behind the scenes.

 

No-one would disagree that providing captive elephants with the opportunity

to exercise freely and enjoy the companionship of others of their own kind

is a good thing. However, that should not be at the expense of the long-term

ability to end captivity altogether.

 

Using elephants in entertainment is never about what is best for the animal,

it is about dominating and controlling another living, sentient being. From

an animal rights perspective, that can never be acceptable.

 

The use of wild animals in entertainment certainly does nothing for

conservation, in fact it damages important conservation messages. 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.

 

Perhaps, as an alternative, the elephants should be allowed to exercise and

socialise freely, while the human polo players carry each other around the

playing field!

 

 

 

Craig Redmond

Campaigns 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