Assignment Asia: Elephants of Kerala

he Indian state of Kerala is unique in its obsession for elephants. Apart from keeping elephants as pets, the state also uses them for public events and religious rituals. Some owners even send their elephants for Ayurveda treatment where the giant mammals undergo detoxification and are treated to nourishing foods and medicines. But as Jyothy Karat found out, animal welfare groups, with concerns that elephants are suffering from pet abuse, are calling for a countrywide ban on using elephants in public and religious events.