Citizen alerted CCF Thane about “Elephants being used for begging in the city”

On 01 February 2010, Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai (PAW-Mumbai) Office received a copy of letter send by Citizen Mrs. Smita Shah to The Chief Conservator of Forest Thane and copy of it have been forwarded to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden in regards to “Elephants being used for begging in the city”.

The brief letter written by Alert Citizen in her words………………………..

It is shocking to see large wild animal like Elephant, which is not found in the forest of Mumbai, but it is common view to see an elephant in the city like Mumbai. Few day back I read an article that it is been banned as per your circular in 2007, but then too we can easily see an elephant been used for begging.

Recently I sa photographs in The Time of India dated Friday, 29 January 2010 (Page 9), that an elephant is being openly used for some religious purpose in thane city and this place is not so far from your office. Then too I think your officers have taken any action against the Elephant-owner.

So as a responsible citizen, I think it is my duty to bring this issue to your notice and now I think it is your responsibility to take concrete step to stop Elephant from used for begging and implement the law for the welfare of poor animal.

Waiting for your action at the earliest in this issue before any major accident happens, just like few year back an elephant named Laxmi had met with an accident near Trombay and died later.

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