Sejal Chaturvedi-
The Madras High Court observed that it may explore whether elephants being kept as captive animals for various religious chores or as beasts of burden and if it should be prohibited in the future.
The two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy asked the appropriate body of the State should immediately look into the well-being of the captive elephants in the State and file a report.
This came in as the Court was dealing with two pleas of similar nature.
One regard seeking necessary steps to ensure that the stray Animals are provided with food and water in this COVID -19 Pandemic.
While in the second, the Court has observed that the State’s views have been sought to ensure that elephants are no longer kept in captivity.
The Court directed the Animal Husbandry Department of the State to come up with a plan of dealing with stray animals in a humane manner, including of putting down animals that are in distress or vaccinating such an
The Court also praised the State Government for its efforts to feed stray animals and thanked the ‘generous donation’ by the Governor and the State thereafter releasing funds in excess of Rs.9 lakh for such purpose at the request of the Court.
Further, the Court went on to state that, “There is a need for a comprehensive program to deal with animals in a more humane manner in this State.“
The Court disposed of the plea by making the following comments, “ The Court hopes that animal lovers will keep a close eye on how animals are treated in this state in order to maintain an ethical and compassionate approach.“