May Consider A Complete Prohibition On Elephants Being Kept As Captive Animals For Various Temple Duties: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court on Monday observed that it may consider whether in future there should be a complete prohibition on elephants being kept as captive animals for various temple duties or as beasts of burden.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy further added that the appropriate body of the State should immediately look into the well-being of the captive elephants in the State and file a report.

The Court was dealing with a plea seeking necessary steps to ensure that the stray Animals are provided with food and water in this COVID -19 Pandemic.

The Court further directed the Husbandry Department of the State Government to come up with a plan of dealing with stray animals in a humane manner, including of putting down animals that are in distress or vaccinating such animals or even neutering them, if they pose a threat as a result of an increase in numbers.

"Whatever measures are suggested or adopted, there should be a humane and ethical treatment of animals in this State, including providing for food in the event the pandemic throws up further waves during which lockdowns are declared and animals are left abandoned or without food or the like," added the Court.

The Court lauded the efforts of the state Government to feed stray animals and thanked the 'generous donation' by the Governor and the State thereafter releasing funds in excess of Rs.9 lakh for such purpose at the request of the Court. 

However, the Court noted that there is a need for a comprehensive program to deal with animals in a more humane manner in this State.

Taking note of another petition which is pending before the Court, the Court observed that the State's views have been sought to ensure that elephants are no longer kept in captivity.

Lastly, disposing of the plea, the Court expressed hope that animal lovers would keep a strict watch on how animals are treated in this State so that an ethical and humane approach can always be maintained.

Case title - V.E.Shiva v. The Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries Department Secretariat Chennai

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