(IN): Assam bans begging by elephants

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070830/asp/northeast/story_8253903.asp

 

Assam bans begging by elephants

A STAFF REPORTER

 

*Guwahati, Aug. 29: *A little late maybe, but Dispur has finally woken up to

the plight of captive elephants in the state.

 

Principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden,

Assam, M.C. Malakar, has recently passed an official order prohibiting the

use of elephants for begging.

 

Malakar has also directed the divisional forest officers to bring the order

to the notice of elephant-owners under their respective jurisdictions and to

take steps in case the order is violated.

 

" Elephants begging on roads, especially in front of temples, have become a

common sight in Assam. There are instances of such animals going berserk and

attacking bystanders and destroying properties. This is an offence under

Section 289 IPC, " Malakar said in the order.

 

Making elephants perform tricks and manoeuvres, without the prior approval

of the Central Zoo Authority under Section 38H of the Wildlife (Protection)

Act, 1972, is a clear violation of the said provisions of the act, the order

reads.

 

The state government passed the order after the chief functionary of People

for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India, Anuradha Sawhney, wrote to

Malakar last month drawing his attention to cruelty to captive elephants.

 

Section 42 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, says chief wildlife

wardens may issue an ownership certificate to any legally-owned captive

animal only when the owner has facilities for its housing, maintenance and

upkeep.

 

" In case of elephants used for begging, it will mean the owner does not have

adequate facilities for its maintenance, which would necessitate

cancellation of the certificate of ownership and consequent forfeiture of

the elephant, " Malakar added.

 

 

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