Dear Authorities,
India is world-renowned for its reverence for animals, so it pains me to learn that elephants are being viciously abused for rides in and around Jaipur. The recent incident at Amber Fort in which a captive elephant used for rides was beaten – a video of which has gone viral on social media – should serve as a wake-up call to end this reckless and inhumane activity.
An inspection authorised by the Animal Welfare Board of India of elephants used for rides in Jaipur documented animals suffering from open wounds, foot ailments, and acute psychological stress from routine tethering and beatings with weapons that are restricted by the Rajasthan High Court's order. Mahouts also routinely deny elephants adequate veterinary care and food and force animals to carry people in intense heat, even if their vision is impaired or they are injured.
The inspection report also revealed that although the Elephant Village (Hathigaon) – where many of the elephants forced to give rides in Jaipur are kept – operates like a captive-animal facility, it does not have the recognition of the Central Zoo Authority and is therefore apparently illegal. In addition to these violations, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prohibits the capture of elephants, but many captive elephants are believed to have been illegally abducted from their families in the wild and forced into a life of physical and psychological torment. The elephant rides at Amber Fort are apparently illegal, too, as none of the animals used are registered with the AWBI under the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001, as mandated by the 2014 and 2015 orders of Honourable Kerala High Court and the 2010 circular of the Government of Rajasthan. The world is wising up to cruelty to animals disguised as tourist activities. TripAdvisor – the largest travel website in the world – announced in October that it will no longer sell tickets to animal "attractions" – including elephant rides – that put wild and endangered animals, as well as travellers, in danger. More than 100 travel agencies – including global operators such as The Travel Corporation, Intrepid Travel, and TUI Group – have pledged not to include elephant rides and shows in their itineraries. Without your kind intervention, this cruelty will persist and continue to tarnish India's image. I request that you use your authority to safeguard elephants, our nation's heritage animal, by immediately ending all elephant rides and retiring captive elephants to reputable sanctuaries, where they can live out their lives free from chains. Thank you.
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