Humans Are Bad And The Kerala Elephant Killing Is Proof; Here's What Really Happened?

Public outrage is unpredictable. It can often provide an outlet where people vent their suppressed angst. Also, it's never been more important to note that it is more often than not --  bound necessarily by sound reason and facts -- it's a follow the crowd scenario; even more so on social media. Nothing but a futile attempt to catch confetti.

In this instance though, the big hue and cry over the recent elephant killing incident in Kerala that we reported earlier was much-warranted. But, unfortunately, for the wrong reasons yet again.

After much was said about the absence of basic humanity (which still stands true, no doubt) it was learned that the information about the pregnant elephant dying after supposedly being fed firecracker-stuffed pineapples by locals was not entirely correct. We wish we could tell you that reality was much different, but the truth is barely any better.

What did really happen?

The malaise of animal cruelty in India is a neglected problem. While we skip conversations about animal testing and more common practices of frequent savagery, our selective focus lies in battling evils like poaching, that too because of certain celebrity involvement. 

In light of the latest elephant killing, it was reported that though the original cause of death was the firecrackers exploding in her mouth, there's minimal respite in the fact that the animal was not fed the pineapples on purpose.

In farmlands, there is a disturbing practice (which is not restricted to Kerala) where fruits packed with dynamite or firecrackers or poison are often left as bait to kill wild boars and other animals that might destroy the crops. Asha Thomas, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest And Wildlife) said, "Even if the firecrackers were used to kill a wild boar, it is still a crime. We have initiated an investigation and will find the perpetrators."