Celina Jaitley appears on Maxim magazine's cover

Mumbai, Aug 21 (UNI) Bollywood star Celina Jaitley's compassion for animals has landed her on the cover of this month's 'Maxim' magazine.

In response to pressure from People for Ethical Treatment towards Animals (PETA) India, which has also garnered high-profile support from Rahul Khanna and MPs Shatrughan Sinha, Maneka Gandhi and Priya Dutt, amongst other celebrities, the authorities recently banned the entry of captive elephants within the city limits.

Highlighting the pitiable condition of the four-legged tuskers, PETA India chief functionary Anuradha Sawhney said ''In zoos and cities, elephants are separated from their families as babies and are sentenced to a lifetime of boredom, loneliness and even abuse.

Working elephants spend the entire day and much of the night walking on hot asphalt roads and breathing in exhaust fumes.

''Forced to battle against city traffic, they are sometimes struck by cars and trucks and pose a threat to the public when they rebel and go on rampage. An elephant, named Laxmi, who was hit by a speeding tanker suffered a broken leg and spinal injuries before dying a day later. Another elephant was frightened by a fire cracker and fell on a car. The mahout fled the scene, and the elephant went on rampage. According to media reports, an entire platoon of SRPF and 60 police personnel were called to subdue her,'' she said.

Speaking on the occasion, Celina Jaitley said, ''Elephants are intelligent and sensitive animals and are known to mourn the loss of their relatives, just as humans do. Captive conditions fail to provide an interesting, stimulating and rewarding environment for elephants.

''After coming to Mumbai and visiting other parts of India, I have seen so many pachyderms kept in such bad conditions in captivity. I think PETA has taken a very good step. I have a huge youth fan following, and I know my fans will also support me in this cause,'' she added.

UNI