A video of a temple elephant struggling to stand due to deep wound on his hind legs in Kerala’s Kollum went viral recently and has sparked furore among animal lovers. In the video, a chain was tied over the wound which appeared to be quite grievous. With his damaged legs, the 20-year-old elephant is forced to balance his weight on front legs.
PFA activists have demanded that the elephant be shifted to Kottur Elephant Sanctuary and be provided with immediate treatment. The ill treatment of the tusker has prompted the state High Court to initiate suo-motto proceedings against Travancore Devaswom Board, the temple body presiding over Sree Dharmasastha temple.
It is alleged that no proper remedial measures were undertaken by the devaswom to provide treatment to the jumbo.
As per a government data, India has about 3,500 elephants in captivity- in forest camps, zoos, temples, travel and tourism, etc, reported Hindustan Times. These elephants are ill-treated and suffer the most in temples and the tourism sector. However, their condition is slightly better in forest camps.
Over the years, Kerala has gained notoriety for its poor treatment of captive elephants. According to NGO Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, 73 captive elephants have died in Kerala since 2016.
