NEWARK, NJ - The animal rights group People for Equality To Animals has called upon the Indian government to stem the growing alcoholism problem among asian elephants. The group says the recent incident where
six elephants were electrocuted during a drunken brawl underscores the mounting epidemic. PETA claims the government's repressive elephant policies are to blame.
"It's time for the government of India to step up to its responsibilities." said Frederica Dillon-Jones, Executive Director of PETA. "Policies in recent years have driven these animals into deep despair, and many have turned to alcohol to cope. By
continuing these policies, President Patil's administration is enabling these animals addictive behavior."
Through the years, elephants in northern India have developed a taste for rice beer, a popular homemade brew fermented by farmers in tin barrels. In the most recent incident, 40 elephants descended upon the village of Chandan Nukot, drank all the beer, and
then went into a drunken rage resulting in the deaths of six.
Locals say they try to coexist with the elephants, but they become quite unruly when drinking. "It's bad enough that they drink all our beer." said Salil Kukat, a local rice farmer. "But when they start staggering around damaging our
village, and urinating on our huts, we have to chase them away."
PETA contends that intervention is in the best interests of the animals. "These animals need counseling and therapy, not to be cast aside like an unwanted cousin." said Dillon-Jones. "We ask the government to join us by funding the rehabilitation of these animals,
so they can recover and lead productive lives, just like everybody else."
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