BHOPAL: An ailing elephant, rescued while begging for food in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur on December 1, has been found to be suffering from chronic arthritis and joint deformities.
Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Alok Kumar has entrusted PETAIndia with the responsibility of ensuring that ‘India’s skinniest elephant’, Lakshmi, receives much-needed veterinary treatment, food, water, and other essential care.
Lakshmi is currently sheltered at the forest department’s premises in Bada Malhera in Chhatarpur. The order, issued on Friday, directs forest officials to work with PETA to ensure that Lakshmi receives immediate care.
Lakshmi was rescued by locals, PETA
She was found emaciated and in agony, forced to beg on the streets of Chhatarpur , said an official release. PETA-India had called for urgent intervention by the forest department, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and Project Elephant division of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.
“We thank the MP forest department for initiating work to help Lakshmi and allowing us to contribute,” said PETA-India chief advocacy officer Khushboo Gupta. “Lakshmi has known only cruelty, misery, and neglect. We are hoping that soon, she will be able to roam, bathe in ponds, and be in the company of other elephants.”
“Examinations by veterinarians from the forest department and PETA-India concluded that Lakshmi is suffering from chronic arthritis and joint deformities. She is in agonising pain and is experiencing debility caused by long-term deprivation of food and water,” said experts.
She is being treated for joint pain and abscesses on her hips. Deep wounds on her left ear are being cleaned and dressed. The injuries were likely caused by an ‘ankus’, a hooked iron rod used by mahouts to control elephants. Lakshmi was rescued by PETA activists and local residents.
