Kerala - Kochi

Curbs on parading of elephants sought

KOCHI: The parading of elephants at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Thripunithura, should be limited to three hours during the festival days, the Elephant Lovers’ Association has demanded.

The elephants should be paraded strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by the authorities, said a statement issued by V.K. Venkitachalam, secretary of the organisation.

Insurance coverage should be made mandatory for the devotees who come to the temple during the festival that begins on November 28.

The animals should be provided proper shelter to protect them from the heat of the sun and they should also be properly fed, he demanded.

Only those elephants that are certified fit for parading should be brought to the temple premises and a government veterinary surgeon should inspect the animal every day, he demanded.

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