AWBI appoints members to oversee activities of captive elephant welfare monitoring committees

Kozhikode: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has nominated 2 persons in every district to oversee the activities of the captive elephant welfare monitoring committees in the respective regions. While the district collector functions as the chairman, the DFO (social forestry) is the convenor of the monitoring committees. 

The nominees were selected from a pool of animal lovers and advocates. The final list was released after holding discussions with the chief wildlife warden and the forest department. 

The nominees have been bestowed with the responsibilities of identifying the atrocities against elephants, to ensure the overall welfare of the jumbos. A report shall be submitted to AWBI by the end of every month. As per laws, approval of the respective district monitoring committees shall be sought prior to using elephants for temple processions. However, elephant lovers claim that such rules are widely being violated. 

The captive elephant welfare committee comprises officials, including police superintendent, SPCA representative, chief veterinary officer and also representatives from the fire safety department and from among the elephant owners and mahouts. 

Representatives of AWBI will also participate in the monthly monitoring committee meetings.