Pooram: Centre asks Kerala to ensure protection of elephants

As Kerala gears up for yet another 'Thrissur Pooram' next week, the Centre has asked the state government to enforce the Wildlife Protection Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act during the festival, in which large numbers of elephants are paraded.

The letter, addressed to the state Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief Wildlife Warden, also directed to submit and action-taken-report in this regard.

The Centre's directive was based on a report by the animal rights campaigner 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) on the alleged cruelty meted out to captive elephants at the Thrissur Pooram last year.

PETA India, in a release, said this is a "positive step" but only an end to the elephant use can eliminate abuse altogether.

The outfit also released to the media a copy of the April 11 letter sent by Muthamizh Selvan, scientist, Project Elephant,Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Chnage.

"It is requested to take necessary action for ensuring compliance of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the guidelines issued by the Ministry for Welfare and Management of captive elephants and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960," the letter"said.

A report on the action taken by the state government in this matter may be forwarded to the Ministry,the letter added.

PETA alleged that elephants with open wounds, painful abscesses, cracked nails, impaired vision and lameness were paraded during the last year's Pooram.

"Thrissur Pooram is a spectacle of suffering for the elephants, which are chained, beaten and paraded with open wounds," PETA India CEO Manilal Valliyate said.

The outfit also alleged that as many as 289 captive elephants in Kerala did not have valid ownership certificates.

Considered as the 'mother of all temple festivals' in the state, the annual Thrissur Pooram is known for its colourful fireworks display and display of caparisoned elephants.

The festival falls on April 25 this year.