Government of Maharashtra says it won't let Elephants in to the City of Mumbai.

Government wins PETA's Praise for Supporting Campaign to End suffering of Elephants in Cities.

Mumbai- After reviewing a graphic report submitted by PETA elucidating the cruelty endured by elephants in cities and its harmful impact on humna health, life, and property, the Government of Maharashtra city has announced that elephants will no longer be allowed in the city.

The ban came on the heels of a report - which PETA presented to Mr. K. L. Prasad, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) and Mr. Shree Bhagwan- Chief Conservator of Forests, Thane Circle - pointing out many of the problems associated with allowing elephants on roads and outside temples in the city, including cruelty to elephantss, the threat to human life and property, and the possible transmission of tuberculosis and anthrax to humans. PETA also pointed out the violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; the Performing Animals (Registration) Rule, 2001; the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959; and the Bombay Police Act with regard to the importation and use of elephants in Mumbai.

The order passed by Mr. Shree Bhagwan, Chief Conservator of Forests- Thane (MS) gives a boost to the campaign started by PETA to ban entry of elephants in cities. The ban comes after an 18 month long campaign through which Actor Rahul Khanna and Celina Jaitley posed in public service print advertisements , letters written by MP Shatrughan Sinha and MP Maneka Gandhi; and a petition signed by Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu, John Abraham, MP Priya Dutt, Sanjay Dutt, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Isha Koppikar, Mahesh Bhatt, Yana Gupta and Gulshan Grove amongst others asking the Chief Minister to ban the entry of elephants into the city.

"All elephants in the city of Mumbai are without a valid ownership certificate and will be asked to leave the city" says Mr. Shree Bhagwan - Chief Conservator of Forests, Thane (MS).

"The order is progressive, and sets the gold standard for other governments to emulate," says PETA's Chief Functionary, Anuradha Sawhney. We commend the government for their foresight, initiative, and kindness."