Do not abuse animals, politicians told

BHUBANESWAR: Citing an order of the Maharashtra State Election Commission, animal rights activists have sought a ban on use of animals by political parties in the ensuing panchayat elections. A petition, filed before the State Election Commission, Odisha, stated that many political parties use animals during the election campaign. Bulls, cows, donkeys and even elephants are used to campaign during the elections though the candidates have no business in inflicting atrocities on the animals for their cause, it said. The abuse of animals amounts to cruelty and is punishable under the law. “The politicians have been urged to show restraint in abusing each other taking animal names. Several instances of politicians calling each other donkeys or dogs have been brought to the notice,” the petition by People For Animals (PFA) said. The animal rights body said the most abused animals at the hands of politicians are elephants, donkeys, bulls and cows since the leaders take out procession by using them. The donkeys are forced to walk down the streets carrying garland of chappals and in some cases also smeared with colours. “There is a growing instance of abuse of animals by the political parties to settle scores with rivals or ridicule the administration and the Government,” said the petition. The Maharashtra State Election Commission first issued an order restraining use of animals by political parties during election campaigns. The three-tier panchayat polls will be held in Odisha in five phases beginning February 11.