PETA Urges Gujarat CM to Ban Live Elephants in Processions

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — The 148th Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad took a terrifying turn when three elephants ran amok in the crowd, injuring at least two people and causing widespread panic. In the aftermath, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has written a formal appeal to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, demanding a ban on the use of live elephants in public processions across the state.

The animal rights organization has called the incident a “narrowly avoided catastrophe” and offered a modern, cruelty-free solution — a life-size mechanical elephant, free of charge, to replace live animals in future events. The offer comes with the condition that the Jagannath Temple or any participating temple pledges not to own, hire, or use live elephants in religious ceremonies or processions again.

“Elephants are wild animals who are deeply distressed by crowds, noise, and the chaotic energy of public events,” said Poorva Joshipura, Director of PETA India. “Their panic poses a serious risk to both the public and the animals themselves. We urge the Honourable Chief Minister to take bold, compassionate action and ban the use of live elephants in processions.”

Despite prior veterinary checks, video footage from the Rath Yatra shows elephants exhibiting signs of psychological distress, such as swaying and head-bobbing. The use of ankushes (bullhooks) to control them — a practice banned by the Hon’ble Rajasthan High Court — was also observed, highlighting the cruelty often hidden behind tradition.

PETA India warns that the potential for mass casualties in such situations is very real. In 2024 alone, at least 14 violent incidents involving captive elephants were reported in India. In just the first few months of 2025, over 20 incidents in Kerala processions resulted in six deaths and dozens of injuries.

To prevent such tragedies, PETA India has been promoting life-like mechanical elephants. These 800-kg models — made from rubber, steel, and fibre — can lift their trunks, flap their ears, swish their tails, and carry idols. Mounted on wheels and powered by electricity, they provide a safe and dignified alternative for rituals and processions.

“Mechanical elephants preserve tradition without risking lives or subjecting animals to suffering,” said Joshipura. “Nineteen temples across South India already use them. Gujarat has an opportunity to lead by example.”

PETA also emphasized that the shift to mechanical alternatives aligns with the Karuna Abhiyan, a Gujarat government initiative promoting animal welfare.