End Alleged Cruelty to Elephants Used for Rides

Target: Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, India

Goal: Ensure the immediate retirement and relocation of elephants used for rides to sanctuaries, prioritizing their welfare and humane treatment.

World Animal Protection has raised concerns about treating elephants used for rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan. These elephants, not native to the region, allegedly suffer from poor living conditions and are subjected to degrading treatment for entertainment purposes. Despite previous efforts by the Rajasthan government to improve their situation, these majestic animals continue to face alleged abuse. The organization urges the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to take decisive action to retire these elephants and relocate them to sanctuaries where they can live peacefully.

World Animal Protection emphasizes the importance of conducting a feasibility study to ensure a smooth transition for the elephants, considering their well-being and mahouts. The organization is prepared to support the government in these efforts, ensuring that Jaipur maintains its UNESCO World Heritage status without being tainted by allegations of cruelty towards its National Heritage Animal.

On World Elephant Day, the organization called for immediate intervention, stressing that the retirement of these elephants would set a humane example for other cities in India to follow. They have engaged with students and travel companies to raise awareness about the plight of captive elephants and have received pledges from tour operators to cease offering elephant rides in their itineraries.

World Animal Protection hopes that the Chief Minister of Rajasthan will recognize the urgent need to retire the Amer Fort elephants. End the reported cruelty associated with these rides.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear CM Sharma,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the elephants used for rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Reports from World Animal Protection suggest that these elephants, which are not native to Rajasthan, suffer from cruelty and poor living conditions while being exploited for entertainment purposes. Despite the state government’s previous efforts to improve their situation, these animals apparently continue to endure hardships that are both degrading and inhumane.

I urge you to take immediate action to retire these elephants and relocate them to sanctuaries where they can live out the remainder of their lives in peace and comfort. A feasibility study should be conducted to ensure a smooth transition for the elephants and their mahouts, and World Animal Protection offers its full support in this endeavor.

Jaipur’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage City should not be tarnished by the continued exploitation of India’s National Heritage Animal. By retiring these elephants, Rajasthan can set an example for the rest of the country in terms of humane treatment and animal welfare.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: McKay Savage