Daijiworld Media Network - Tiruvanantapuram (SP)

Tiruvanantapuram, Nov 8: After activists of  organizations fighting for the rights of wild animals raised their voices against the donation of an elephant by Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa to a temple in Kerala, a controvery over the issue has arisen.

The activists have pointed out to various legal requirements necessary for legalising donation of  wild elephants. They have pointed out, that under the circumstances, those donating the elephants can do so only if they have been declared legally bankrupt.

Based on the complaint, head of the Kerala wildlife department J K Tiwari has instructed the divisional forest officer of Kannur to conduct an investigation into the incident and submit report thereof. Tiwari said, that the department had not received any request for permission to donate the elephant and that no permission was given by it for the same. However, the department will find out as to whether any lower level official had permitted the donation, he explained.

'Elephant Lovers,' a Trissur-based organization has alleged, that none of the 12 pre-conditions for wild animals donation had been complied with, by the Karnataka chief minister.

The National Wilflife Corporation, formed under the chairmanship of the prime minister in 2005, had imposed restrictions on the elephant donation oby the government and heads of administrations, after the donation of an elephant by the ex Tamilnadu chief minister  Jayalalitaa to Guruvayur temple kicked up a row.