Kerala HC orders urgent changes for captive elephants at Punnathur Anakotta

The Kerala High Court has issued a stern directive to the Guruvayur Devaswom Board, ordering immediate improvements at the Punnathur Anakotta elephant sanctuary. The court's intervention comes in response to a petition highlighting severe deficiencies in the facilities provided for the captive elephants housed there. The Devaswom board has been directed to strictly adhere to the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, and to submit a detailed progress report by September 2.

Background of the Sanctuary

Punnathur Anakotta, located in Thrissur district, is one of the largest elephant sanctuaries in Kerala, serving as a home for over 50 elephants owned by the Guruvayur Temple. These elephants are used for ceremonial purposes and are considered an integral part of temple traditions. However, animal welfare activists have long raised concerns about the living conditions at the facility, including inadequate space, poor nutrition, and insufficient veterinary care. The latest court order underscores the urgency of addressing these issues.

Details of the Court Order

In its ruling, the court emphasized that the Devaswom must comply with the 2012 rules, which mandate specific standards for shelter, food, water, and medical care for captive elephants. The judges noted that the current facilities fell short of these requirements, leading to the petition alleging 'gross inadequacy.' The order requires the board to take corrective measures within a stipulated timeline and submit a compliance report to the court. Non-compliance could result in further legal action.

Allegations in the Petition

The petition, filed by an animal rights group, detailed multiple grievances: insufficient shade and shelter from extreme weather, limited access to clean drinking water, and inadequate space for movement. The petitioners argued that these conditions violate both state rules and central animal welfare laws. They also pointed to the psychological distress caused by prolonged chaining and lack of social interaction among the elephants. The court took these allegations seriously, prompting its intervention.

Implications and Next Steps

This ruling marks a significant step toward enforcing animal welfare regulations in Kerala's temple establishments. The Guruvayur Devaswom now faces pressure to overhaul its management practices, potentially setting a precedent for other elephant owners across the state. The progress report due in September will be crucial in determining whether the board has made substantive changes. If the court finds the response unsatisfactory, it may order more stringent measures, including possible relocation of elephants to better facilities. Animal rights groups hope this will lead to a broader reassessment of how captive elephants are treated in the region.