Footage reveals how elephants have been tortured into submission by animal suppliers

Dec 19, 2011 10:32 GMT  ·  By
Elephants are used to entertain tourists at some beaches as at Havelock Island, India
   Elephants are used to entertain tourists at some beaches as at Havelock Island, India

Several animal rights groups have recently managed to obtain their first victory, since Santa Ana Zoo has decided to comply with their requests and put an end to dangerous, barbaric elephant rides.

The Animal Protection and Rescue League, Animal Defenders International (ADI), PETA and a few eco-conscious celebrities have decided to call for a ride ban, after observing the animal cruelty supported by Have Trunk Will Travel, the company providing elephants for the zoo.

A shocking footage reveals how these animals have been treated by the ones who were supposed to protect them, for a long period of time. Instead of focusing on effective ways to preserve their balance, people have exploited them to increase their own profit.

The video, introduced by ADI, reveals how these animals were jabbed with bull hooks and chained by two legs for more than 12 hours every day.

Moreover, their cruel treatment did not only affect these creatures; it also implied significant risks for participants.

Experts have already proved that animals exposed to physical punishments are always much more violent and unpredictable; therefore their actions could have threatened the safety of people paying for this kind of entertainment.

The way these animals have been treated for months has left wildlife experts speechless.

“Nothing rivals the cruelty I have witnessed over the last few days,” declared a wildlife vet after analyzing the events.

At the same time, members of animal right groups are currently enjoying their victory and hope they would never have to witness such dramatic incidents ever again.

“We appreciate that the stars and makers of Water for Elephants were probably duped about the way the elephants were trained. But we think everyone will be reassured when they issue a forthright condemnation of the training methods and make a commitment not to use performing animals again,” stated Jan Creamer the President of Animal Defenders International.