PETA moves court seeking ban on elephant 'joyrides' in Rajasthan
What's the story
People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has filed a petition before Rajasthan High Court seeking an end to the elephant joyrides at Amer Fort and Hathi Gaon (Elephant village) in Jaipur.
In the petition, PETA pointed out that these rides are "illegal" as none of the elephants used are registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Here's more.
Violation
Elephant rides are against The Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001
The petition said elephant joyrides are a violation of The Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, framed under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
It is also against the Rajasthan government's order which mandates that permission from the AWBI is required for using elephants in any film, serial, advertisement, function, sport, event, exhibition, mela or any other type of performance, including rides.
Details
Elephants offering rides suffer from blindness, tuberculosis, says AWBI report
PETA India's senior legal associate Swati Sumbly said that the petition seeks to end the shameful practice of forcing sick, elderly, and blind elephants to haul unjustifiably heavy loads through Jaipur.
The petition follows a report by AWBI inspectors which said that elephants offering rides to tourists at Amer Fort suffer from blindness and tuberculosis and are forced to carry loads heavier than 200kg.
Information
About elephant rides
Elephant rides are a major attraction at Amer Fort. Jumbos painted with traditional patterns carry tourists up and down the steep slope at the fort. Most of these animals live in the nearby Hathi Gaon.