KOZHIKODE: A WhatsApp group members here have expressed strong resentment over the denial of permission to hold a tug-of-war between a captive elephant and the public. The event was part of Onam-Bakrid celebrations at Cheruvadi in Kodiyathur panchayat on the Thiruvonam day. Organisers said similar events were a regular feature of Onam celebrations in the region. “The intervention of the department of forest and wildlife inspired by Thrissur-based Heritage Animal Task Force (HATF) is unethical,” said Siju K, a resident.
"Every year we organise such events and so far there was no opposition. We had announced the programme in a grand way after informing the police and the district administration. There was no opposition then. But exactly on the day of the event, it was stopped." V.K. Venkitachalam, secretary of the animal rights NGO, said the WhatsApp group Nalla Cheruvadikkar and the Saudi Arabia-based Al Rudaiman Group, were trying to torture an elephant for their entertainment. "It's completely against the animal's rights,” he said.
"We understand they had given elephant Kolakkadan a severe training for the past few weeks for the event. All these practices are against Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. We had filed a complaint with various departments seeking their intervention, including the chief minister, police chief, chief wildlife warden and secretary of Animal Welfare Board of India."
