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Raising concerns over the welfare of captive elephants paraded at festivals, the Kerala High Court has issued new guidelines to regulate their use, sparking mixed reactions across the state.
The court's decision follows alarming reports that nearly 33% of Kerala’s captive elephants have died over the past seven years.
The Division Bench of Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and P. Gopinath emphasized the need to prioritize the health and safety of these animals, citing the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, and relevant Supreme Court rulings.
The guidelines require elephants to rest for at least three days between parades, limit the duration of parades to three hours at a time, and mandate spacious, clean tethering facilities.
Additionally, elephants cannot be paraded on public roads during the daytime, and their numbers must align with the space available at the event.
While the court acknowledged the cultural and traditional significance of elephants at festivals, it clarified that no religion mandates their use. “Our focus is to regulate the practice to ensure the animals' well-being,” the court said.
The ruling has drawn criticism from festival organizers, including the Thrissur Pooram temple committee, where elephants are a central attraction.
In a progressive move, PETA India, along with actor Vedhika, has offered a cruelty-free alternative to live elephants at temple ceremonies.
The Edayar Sree Vadakkumbad Shiva Vishnu Temple in Kannur received a life-size mechanical elephant named "Vadakkumbad Sankaranarayanan," marking a significant step toward compassionate celebrations.
This mechanical elephant, the fourth donated by PETA to Kerala temples, allows ceremonies to be conducted without compromising animal welfare.
Vedhika, speaking at the launch, emphasized that such innovations balance tradition with compassion, enabling elephants to remain in their natural habitats.
PETA’s initiative aligns with growing efforts to promote cruelty-free practices in cultural and religious events across Kerala.
These developments highlight a shifting perspective on the treatment of elephants, blending respect for tradition with a renewed commitment to animal welfare.
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