Global News - March 2008

< Back to Global News

Elephant given freedom by authorities in India

Tue 18 March 2008 15:00 UK — Asia,Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos

Wildlife charities in India have managed to safeguard an elephant which was being mistreated by the temple that owned it.

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (Cupa) revealed that it has been working for nearly four years to protect an elephant known as Manikantan, which used to belong to the Aiyappa Swamy Temple in Bangalore.

Despite the fact that the 18-year old elephant was confiscated by the local forestry department in 2004, the animal's legal status has not been clear.

Now, the chief wildlife warden of Karnataka, I B Srivastava, has signed an order that cancelled the temple's ownership of the elephant.

As a result, the state's forestry department has extended the same protection to Manikantan as it gives other elephants.

A statement from Cupa added: "He has been observed to be grazing in the forest and having interactions with other elephants at the Shakrebyle Elephant camp, in Shimoga district."

It added that the case was important as it was the first time the government in India has cancelled an ownership certificate due to ill-treatment and brutality.

Alan Knight, chief executive of International Animal Rescue said: "We warmly welcome the action taken by the Indian government to protect this elephant from further cruelty and applaud CUPA for their persistent efforts to end the animal's suffering.

"This case sends out a strong message that other temples must treat their elephants with kindness, compassion and respect."

Help IAR save animals from suffering around the world.

News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, saving animals from suffering around the world.

< Back to Global News   |   Read IAR News

Read IAR News >