All elephants in Kerala to be registered: SC

Kerala, Aug 19: In order to put an end to the brutalities meted out on elephants in Kerala, the Supreme Court has ordered that each one of them should be registered. A breakthrough in the age old and obsolete animal protection act of India, this has been applauded by animal rights activists.

The bench comprising Justice Dipak Misra and Justice R Bhanumathi said that the move will help in protecting the animals by making all acts against them accountable. Cops can now be found scouting mahouts, accompanying an Elephant, asking for its registration card.

The state has also asked its Chief Wildlife Warden to have captive elephants in Kerala accounted for by using any available data to issue declaration of ownership' certificates under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Even festival managers, state and district committees, along with private owners have also been appointed to ensure that the elephants are not treated with cruelty.

The judges further add that in case of a violation, the person responsible will face criminal persecution and the elephant will be confiscated.

In the wake of animal activists rising against the increasing usage of elephants in religious rituals and festivals, the court said that all the temples and will have to register themselves with the district committee. They will also have to inform how many elephants will be used for the said festivals.

OneIndia News