(IN) Performing elephants ;apply the existing rules

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*Animal welfare board issues notice to Onotsav organisers *

 

A Correspondent

 

KATTAPPANA: The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued notice to

organisers of 'Pakal Pooram' to be held in Thodupuzha in connection with the

'Onotsav' festival on Saturday asking as to why elephants should be paraded

without getting the proper certificate from the board in violation of the

clauses of Performing Animals Registration Rules 2001 under the Prevention

of Cruelty Towards Animals.

 

According to sources, no private elephant owners in the State have

registered for the certificate. The registration can be done by paying

Rs.500.

 

The Performing Animals Registration Rules 2001 under the Prevention of

Cruelty Towards Animals has a clause that stipulates the owner to feed the

animals on public performance on time and take care of its health.

 

" Once the certificate is received the welfare of the animals will be checked

and follow-up action will be taken. This is the reason why elephant owners

are reluctant to apply for the certificate, " the source said.

 

Animal Welfare Board of India member A.J. Babu said the notice was issued to

inform the elephant owners to follow the guidelines made for the welfare of

animals and not to prevent the parading of elephants. " The provisions in the

Performing Animals Registration Rules 2001 have helped put an end to many

animal contests, which were being held traditionally, " he said.

 

Mr. Babu said though all the elephants of the Guruvayoor Devaswom Board are

registered, not even a single private owner of elephant have applied.

 

The Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council, one of the organisers of the

festival, said that it had received the letter issues by the board. The

letter has forwarded to the concerned Tahasildar.

 

The organisers of Onotsav said that they are left with two options—either

avoid elephants in the 'Pakal Pooram' or go ahead with the show and

challenge the notice in the court. The organisers had paid hefty amount in

advance to book the elephants.

 

The `Onotsav' is being organised by DTPC, Merchants' Association,

Thodupuzha, in association with the Thodupuzha Municipal Corporation.