Outrage Unleashed: Shocking Video Reveals Cruelty Against Joymala, Assam’s Captive Elephant in Tamil Nadu
A disturbing video has surfaced, highlighting the severe mistreatment of Assam’s captive elephant, Joymala, during a religious procession in Tamil Nadu. The footage shows four mahouts threatening the elephant with iron ankushes, traditional tools used to control elephants, while Joymala is shackled with heavy chains. This has sparked significant outrage and demands for better protection of captive elephants. Arun Prasanna, founder of the Chennai-based NGO People For Cattle in India (PFCI), expressed distress over the footage, criticizing the Srivilliputhur Andal temple authorities for violating recommendations from the District Level Captive Elephants Welfare Committee (DLCEW). Prasanna highlighted the traumatic impact that the sight and threat of an ankush can have on elephants.
The use of the ankush was prohibited by the Rajasthan High Court in 2010, with India’s Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change urging compliance across all states. Joymala, originally transported from Assam’s Tinsukia district to Tamil Nadu in 2011 under a Temporary No Objection Certificate (NOC), remains at the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple for ritual purposes despite the NOC’s expiration. The Assam government has filed a petition in the Guwahati High Court to seek Joymala’s return. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
In an attempt to secure Joymala’s release, PFCI has offered the temple a mechanical elephant as a substitute. Established in 2012, PFCI focuses on animal protection, including preventing illegal cattle trafficking and slaughter. The case has reignited discussions on the ethical treatment of elephants and put pressure on authorities to adhere to legal guidelines aimed at protecting these sensitive animals.
Original Story https://nenews.in/assam/assams-captive-elephant-joymala-threatened-with-iron-ankush-during-procession-in-kerala-new-video-surfaces/15055/
Category : Assam,Elephant Joymala,People for Cattle in India
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