The Kerala forests department has issued fresh instructions on keeping domestic elephants, especially during processions in festivals.

An official release here said the safe-keeping of elephants would be monitored by a committee comprising district collectors, police superintendents, divisional forest officer, Devaswom Board member and a representative of the Kerala Elephant Owners' Association.

Elephants should be covered under third party insurance scheme. Fitness certificates for elephants should be renewed twice a week in the case of elephants being taken out for processions.

The name of the elephant should be exhibited on the chain worn by the animal. Committees would be formed at the district level to check harassment of elephants. While carrying elephants in lorries the speed should be limited to 25 km, the release said.

Tags: elephants, insurance scheme, kerala, Kerala Elephant Owners' Association, Kerala forests, south, thiruvananthapuram

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