Chennai: Madras high court on Monday permitted mercy killing of the ailing elephant of Arulmigu Suguvaneswarar Temple in Salem district, if the veterinary officer certifies that the physical condition of the elephant is such that it would be cruel to keep her alive.
“Needless to mention that the euthanasia shall be performed as per the rules, regulations and guidelines with regard to performance of euthanasia,” said the First Bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose while disposing of a PIL from S. Muralidharan, an animal lover, which sought a direction to the authorities to euthanise the elephant-Reajeshwari, kept by the temple.
The elephant Rejeshwari was suffering from a serious painful disease and has developed bedsores, which have started decaying. From the materials produced, it was patently clear that steps taken for the treatment of the elephant have not been successful.
A letter dated March 21, 2018 from Dr N.S. Manoharan, Deputy Director /Forest Veterinary Officer to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, indicates that the elephant had been examined by a team of Veterinary assistant surgeons of Poly Clinic, Salem and Animal Disease Intelligence Unit. It was noticed that the animal was administered painkillers and inflammatory, nerve tonics. The elephant suffered from stiffness and had great difficulty in moving, the bench added.
“It is patently clear the elephant is in agony with remote or rather no chances of recovery”, the bench said adding that euthanasia should be performed so that the elephant is relieved from prolonged agony and suffering. The bench said the veterinary officer should examine her and if the physical condition of Rajeshwari is such that it would be cruel to keep her alive, she should immediately be administered euthanasia. The examination shall positively be conducted at the earliest, preferably within 48 hours.
