NEW DELHI: Animal welfare organizations have criticized the central government’s recently notified Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules 2024, urging the union ministry of environment to release a definitive list of elephants eligible for transfer with valid permits.
These organizations, including People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and the Centre for Research on Animal Rights (CRAR), emphasized the need for transparency in the transfer process amid concerns of alleged illegal transportation of elephants from Northeast states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
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Specifically, concerns were raised regarding the activities of Vantara, an animal rescue and welfare centre in Jamnagar promoted by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation.
While Vantara officials have underscored their focus on rescue and rehabilitation, activists have highlighted instances of alleged illegal transportation of elephants and smuggling of endangered exotic animals to private collectors across the country.
In response, the union ministry of environment has issued several notifications to regulate the trade in exotic species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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The Wildlife Protection Amendment Act 2022, which aligns with CITES provisions, aims to enforce stricter regulations on breeding, importing, and exporting exotic species.
To address concerns surrounding the transfer of captive elephants, animal welfare groups have proposed amendments to the Captive Elephant Rules, including the publication of a comprehensive list of eligible elephants with valid ownership certificates.
They advocate for restricting transfers to elephants with ownership certificates issued before the cut-off date in October 2003 to prevent the regularization of illegal possession.
Furthermore, these organizations have called for a five-year embargo on elephant transfers from Northeast states, except for rehabilitation purposes, to prevent the capture of wild elephants.
The union ministry of environment is urged to clarify and alleviate fears regarding elephant transfers to ensure the welfare and protection of these animals.
Meanwhile, incidents of seizures of illegally smuggled exotic species, including kangaroos, koalas, and orangutans, have surged in Assam and Mizoram in recent years.
Wildlife activists have raised concerns about the circumvention of rules and regulations to facilitate the transfer of these animals, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement measures to combat wildlife trafficking.