Jaipur: After Sunday's incident at Amber Fort where an American tourist, Nayiri Miller, witnessed eight persons ill-treating an elephant, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India has written to Rajasthan Forest Department. In the letter, PETA has urged the chief wildlife warden (CWLW) to register an FIR against the abusers urgently and take the tusker for immediate veterinary care and rehabilitation."Reports on Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) authorised inspections carried out in Goa, Jaipur, and Rajasthan have unquestionably proved that captive elephants suffer mentally and physically when used in such exhibits. In 2014, an inspection report submitted by a team of experienced veterinarians and honorary animal welfare officers authorized by AWBI revealed that invalid ownership certificates, partially and nearly blind elephants who had been forced to work and the use of iron ankuses (rods with a sharp metal hook on one end) to control the animal," said Dr Manilal Valliyate, Director of Veterinary Affairs, PETA India.The report further says, Elephant Village or Hathigaon, where many elephants are kept like zoo, doesn't have authorization from Central Zoo Authority."In the case of The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) vs State of Kerala & ors (WP(C) No 10424 of 2014), the High Court of Kerala, in its order dated December 9, 2014, mandated that elephants used for rides must be registered under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001," wrote Dr Manilal.Besides, in violation of the directives of Rajasthan High Court, ankus wounds on elephants, severe foot problems caused by forcing the animals to stand and work on concrete are seen on elephants who were kept chained or tightly tethered and are made to live alone in barren concrete cells."Given the cruelty to elephants inherent in these rides, the compassionate stance taken by travellers and renowned travel agencies along with apparent violations of rules relating to registration and permitted weight limits, we request that you end elephant rides in Amber Fort and elsewhere in Rajasthan and instead promote the use of mechanized, eco-friendly safari vehicles," said Dr Manilal."We also ask that you call for these captive elephants to be transferred immediately to a sanctuary, where they can get necessary veterinary treatments, move freely, can stretch, exercise and enjoy the company of other elephants," he said.Now, Amber Management & Development Authority (AD&MA) has de-rostered the elephant from rides at Amber Fort till DCF, Amber submits his report.

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