Elephants in India's southern state Kerala are subjected to "over-work" and "ill-treatment" and are not given proper food or medical support, an animal forum has alleged in a complaint.
Pointing to the sufferings of the large land mammals here, the Thrissur-based Elephant Lovers Association have sent a written complaint to
the Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Environment, Secretary of the Association Venkatachalam said.
"Cruel punishments, ill-treatment and lack of food and medical care are core reasons for the unexpected death of many captive elephants in the
state. Contractors always make them do over work. Naturally they will go weak," he said, adding that an investigation into the issue would bring
forth the details.
The forum is also suspecting the involvement of illegal ivory and skeleton traders in the issue.
"As per our assumption, around 200 jumbos are exchanged in that manner across 14 districts of the state," he said.
Spreading of false reports regarding the cause of deaths before postmortem examinations should also be curbed, the association demanded.