Administer euthanasia if elephant's health condition demands: Madras HC directs veterinarian

The Madras High Court today directed a veterinarian to administer euthanasia to an ailing elephant if he finds that it would be cruel to keep the animal alive.

An animal lover had moved the court seeking to euthanise the elephant which has developed bed sores due to constant lying down for over a month due to serious complications in of one of its feet.

The petition was filed before first bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose.

Petitioner S Muralidharan submitted that the elephant of Suguvaeswarar temple in Salem had been suffering for a long time due to serious painful disease condition of her left foreleg, which cannot be medically or surgically treated or cured.

The court gave the direction after going through the circular of the Animal Welfare Board of India Chairman, Major General (Retd) Dr. RM Kharb, on euthanasia of animals and standards formulated by the Animal Welfare Board of India in this regard.

The decision to perform euthanasia is ultimately to be taken by the veterinary officer in charge of the area based on the guidelines and rules and regulations, it said.

The bench after going through the materials placed before it in its order said it was patently clear that steps taken for the treatment of the elephant Rajeswari, have not been successful.

A letter from Dr. N.S. Manoharan, deputy director/forest university officer to the principal chief conservator of forests and wildlife warden indicates that the elephant had been examined by a team of veterinary assistant surgeons of Poly Clinic, Salem and Animal Disease Intelligence Unit, it said.

On examination it was noticed that the elephant was administered pain killers, anti-inflammatory, nerve tonics with external applications of anodyne ointment and rubifacients.

The elephant suffered from stiffness and had great difficulty in moving.

The bench further said though the treatment was continued only marginal improvement was noticed.

The prognosis was 'guarded to grave' which means intensive treatment and care till her death.

"From the report it is patently clear that the elephant is in agony with remote or rather no chances of recovery," the bench said.

"The elephant is suffering. It seems euthanasia should be performed so that the elephant is relieved from prolonged agony and suffering," it said.