Pachyderm rescued, mahout booked for violation

A female elephant was rescued here today by officials of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals following which the mahout was booked for violation of relevant laws.
"We rescued the elephant and have booked the mahout for violations of the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules and under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act," Chief Inspector, W Dowlath Khan, SPCA told PTI.
The 38-year-old elephant, Rani, which is owned by N Sekar, a resident of Tiruchirappalli was rescued from a marriage hall here, where it was brought for "leading" a marriage procession.
"For transporting animals there are rules like fitness certificate and norms that ensure that the animal is not harmed or injured," Khan said, adding, these were violated.

The elephant was transported at a stretch without any break from Tiruchirappalli to Chennai, which was a violation.
"The elephant is healthy," he said, adding, it is housed at SPCA premises.