The High Court has issued a crucial rule, questioning the continuation of cruelty towards elephants under the guise of training. The court has not only put a halt on the issuance of new licenses and the renewal of existing ones for the rearing of wild animals and elephants but has also raised concerns over the legality of such practices.
A bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque at the High Court initiated this rule following a writ petition filed by actor Jaya Ahsan and the People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation.
Supreme Court lawyer Saqeb Mahbub, representing the petitioners, filed the writ to bring an end to the distressing use of elephants in captive circuses, rides, and various events. The petition specifically targets the brutal training methods employed on elephants for such purposes, seeking legal intervention.
The writ emphasizes the inhumane treatment suffered by captive elephants in Bangladesh, calling on the court to address this pressing issue. Despite promises from the forest department and efforts by animal rights activists, the petition notes a lack of substantial action against the abuse of elephants.
Incidents involving abused elephants have led to loss of lives and property in localities, underlining the urgent need for legal measures. The petition also highlights the violation of wildlife preservation laws, such as the Wildlife (Preservation and Security) Act, 2012, and the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019, specifically in the context of training elephants through brutal methods for circuses and extortion activities.
The licensing of elephants by the forest department for use in private circuses is questioned, especially given the critically endangered status of the Asian elephant as per the IUCN Red List. The High Court’s rule signifies a crucial step towards curbing elephant cruelty and enforcing legal measures to protect these majestic creatures.
