Jacob Brown
Bangladesh’s High Court issued a landmark ruling banning the adoption and exploitation of critically endangered wild elephants. The decision, welcomed by animal rights groups, aims to protect young Asian elephants from captivity and exploitation.
End to Exploitative Practices:
The court’s suspension of all licenses prevents the capture and captivity of young elephants, previously subjected to exploitation in activities such as begging, circus performances, and street shows.
With only around 200 wild elephants remaining in Bangladesh, half of which are in captivity, the country faces a significant decline in its Asian elephant population due to poaching and habitat loss.
Previously, elephants were captured and licensed by the forestry department for purposes like logging and entertainment, despite such practices violating license terms and leading to exploitation.
Response from Animal Rights Advocates:
Rakibul Haque Emil, from the People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation, praises the court’s decision as a significant step towards ending the brutal treatment endured by captive elephants and emphasizes the importance of their rehabilitation.
Actor Jaya Ahsan, who initiated the legal action alongside PAW, expresses hope that the ruling will prevent the cruel training methods inflicted on captive elephants, marking a positive shift in elephant welfare.
Public Outcry and Past Incidents:
Recent incidents, such as the tragic death of a young elephant hit by a train while begging on the streets and the rescue of emaciated elephants used for roadside begging in 2019, have drawn attention to the plight of captive elephants and sparked public outrage.
