Safeguard captive elephants in temples, other places: Plea

Madurai: Referring to an incident where a temple elephant in Sivaganga district died recently after sustaining injuries in a fire accident, a plea was moved before Madras high court on Tuesday seeking a direction to the authorities to safeguard captive elephants in the temples and other places across the state.
A division bench of justice R Subramanian and justice Sunder Mohan sought a response from the state while hearing the public interest litigation filed by M Hariharan.
The 54-year-old female elephant, Subbulakshmi, of Shanmuganathar temple in Kundrakudi, was gifted by a devotee in 1971. Hariharan stated that a fire broke out in the shed on Sept 12, and the roof fell on the elephant, causing burn injuries. Though the elephant was treated by forest officials and veterinarians, it died on Sept 13. There was a complete disregard for her basic safety and welfare, which amounts to cognisable offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The petitioner stated that Rule 5 of the Tamil Nadu Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2011, defines the housing of elephants. If the temple authorities had followed the rules, then the death could have been averted. He stated that his representation to safeguard captive elephants in temples and other places across the state as per the rules was not considered, and therefore he moved court seeking relief.