Stop promoting elephant safaris: NGO to govt

An animal protection body has asked the government to stop promoting elephant safaris, asserting that the jumbos being used in the rides need to be retired in a suitable rehabilitation facility.

The World Animal Protection (WAP) has also lauded the recent verdict of Uttarakhand High Court which accorded the status of "legal person or entity" to animals in the state.

Noting that the judgement also directs the state government to ensure that incidents of animal cruelty are being checked, WAP has urge the central government to ensure these guidelines are enforced nationwide and not just in Uttarakhand.

In a unique ruling, the Uttarakhand High Court recently accorded the status of "legal person or entity" to animals in the state, saying "they have a distinct persona with corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a living person."