BENGALURU, 25 JULY

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has demanded the revocation of licences of veterinarians who issued fraudulent health certificates for elephant Roopavathi. The 36-year-old female jumbo, who suffers from unilateral blindness, arthritis and cracked footpads, was transported from Karnataka to Telangana on 13 July for Muharram and Bonalu processions, subjecting her to severe cruelty.

The elephant was declared fit by Karnataka veterinarian Dr Sathish and Telangana veterinarians Dr M Navin Kumar, M Abdul Hakeem, G Shambhulingam and B Sambasiva Rao. After the events, independent wildlife veterinarians have found her to be in a dire state, unfit for any public event.

PETA India has reported this malpractice to Karnataka and Telangana veterinary councils, citing severe breaches of veterinary ethics and violations of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Dr Bandhanpreet Kaur Raisim, PETA India Manager of Veterinary Services, said “Subjecting an unfit and ailing elephant to the stress of public processions is both inhumane and reckless, as upset elephants often resort to attacking.”

Roopavathi was forced to walk for hours amid loud noise and large crowds during the processions. These actions violated Roopavathi’s transfer permit issued on 10 July 2024 and her ownership certificate from 15 November 2022.

Speaking to Salar News, Kushboo Gupta, a member of the PETA, said “This is a blatant disregard for the well-being of Roopavathi, and it reflects poorly on the entire veterinary profession. She needs immediate rehabilitation, not exploitation for human festivities.”—Salar News