KOCHI: The practice of elephant contracting should be abolished to end exploitation of pachyderms, said T N Prathapan MLA, who is also district secretary of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
He said contractors who take elephants on lease from owners often treat them cruelly.
“This year alone, 26 jumbos died due to various forms of torture. Elephants are transported to far-away places for festivals and other events, without proper facilities.
The authorities concerned turn a blind eye towards the repeated violation of rules,” he said.