AWBI asks Kerala Forest Dept to take action on elephant torture

The Animal Welfare Board (AWBI) of India has asked Kerala Forest department to take action in the alleged torture of an elephant during a recent temple festival in Thrissur district.

The AWBI on Friday wrote to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests demanding necessary action on the alleged use of an elephant to block the passage of other elephants at the entrance of 'Rudhira Mahakailikavu', where the festival was held earlier this week.

The Board also asked the department to send a report of action taken in the matter to them at the earliest.

The AWBI's action was based on the complaint by a Thrissur-based animal rights campaigner Heritage Animal Task Force (HATF).

In its complaint, the HATF said this type of abuse of elephants by making them stand for a long time was a "real torture".

The campaigner also alleged that the elephant parade held as part of the temple festival was in violation of the Supreme Court Order dated August 18, 2015 which had asked the Kerala Forest Department to ensure elephant parade rules are not violated.