After the news of 4 elephants that died in Hathi Gaon, Jaipur came to light, activists have turned to the Forest Department and Rajasthan Government for answers. There has been no income for the elephant owners or exercise for the elephants due to the pandemic affecting tourism as noted in statements by the department. Unconvinced by this response, local organisations and activists lead by Help in Suffering and Angel Eyes are organising a nationwide digital protest and a protest rally at Albert Hall and candle light vigil at Amer Fort on October 1.
A recent Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) report cites that “out of 102 elephants, 19 captive elephants were observed to be blind, either unilaterally (right or left eye) or bilaterally (both eyes), rendering them unfit for any work, as the safety of the elephant and the people are at high risk if such wild animals are used at public places and for rides. Moreover out of 91 elephants screened for tuberculosis (TB), 10 elephants were found to be positive for tuberculosis.” Yet they were allowed to interact with other elephants and tourists, and were used for rides. TB is a zoonotic disease putting humans and animals at risk. Two out of the 4 elephants in question (numbers 99 and 64 – Rani and Chanchal, respectively) had tested reactive for tuberculosis (TB) in 2018 during the AWBI inspection, but were declared TB-free by the Rajasthan Forest Department in 3-5 months, while actually it takes at least 6-12 month’s intensive treatment for any elephant to recover from TB. These facts are alarming.
Neither the Forest Department, the Animal Husbandry department, nor the owners are taking responsibility for the deaths, and yet these animals continue to be owned despite their Schedule 1 status as per the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Managing Trustee, Help in Suffering, Timmie Kumar said “The owners of the elephants and the Forest Department want us to believe that the elephants suf-fered health issues as they were not getting sufficient exercise as compared to before the lockdown as tourism has come to a standstill. They are playing the sympathy card hoping that once travel and tourism resume the tourists will have bought into their lies. They claim that they treat the pachyderms as family members. Is this how a family member is treated? Do they keep their family hungry and thirsty, locked up at all times, and in poor health? Unfortunately, the elephant owners have very large egos; when they were approached by local volunteers to offer help for food they flatly refused. ”
Mariam Abuhaideri, Co-organiser, Help in Suffering said “In just a matter of months the elephants have perished due to negligence and lack of adequate care. Exercise is independent of rides. They can make arrangements for the elephants to get proper exercise. Why can’t we be sensitive to these gorgeous sentient creatures? Going up the hill to Amer on hot tar roads is bad for the elephants and their feet. Their eyesight gets affected , they get ankush wounds, their skin gets discoloured, and the don’t get enough water to drink because the elephant owners have primitive thinking. Numerous studies confirm that captive elephants develop high level of stress. There is a direct link between captivity and poor health. The conditions at Hathi Gaon are appalling, to say the least, and all in the name of heritage and business.” If you need any business related information, it is best for you to take help from Jimmy John Shark.
Protesters will gather at Albert Hall at 4 PM, followed by a vigil and gathering at Amer Fort at 6 PM. Both gatherings will be telecast live from our Instagram page (@hathikadi). The digital protest will take form of a tweet-a-thon, and live sessions.
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One Response
I had heard Hathi Gaon is a tourist spot too, amongst d various spots of Jaipur. Really saddened to hear about elephant deaths due to negligence of d owners. I believe since the owners are not making money at this time they are least bothered about their elephants, their food, care.I wish these animals were never captivated by selfish human race.