Elephants threatened by landmines, says vet

Elephants threatened by landmines, says vet
SOMSAK SUKSAI
Bangkok Post
October 15, 2005 Lampang

More than 100 elephants hauling logs in Burma run the risk of losing their lives to landmines.

Veterinarian Preecha Puangkham, director of the medical section at Lampang's Elephant Hospital, said the number of elephants killed or maimed by landmines in the border area has increased, as hauling logs yields large incomes for the owners of the animals and their handlers, or mahouts. More than 100 elephants from Thailand have been taken to forest-rich Burma to haul logs. `

`Now, how can we help solve the problems faced by more than 100 elephants at risk of landmines in Burma? And how can we prevent people from taking elephants to work in that country? Cooperation from all sides, particularly elephant owners, is needed. They should pay more attention to the safety of the pachyderms than to their wages,'' said Dr Preecha. He raised the issue after two young female elephants, aged six and two years, were severely injured after stepping on a landmine in Burma. The explosion on Oct 5 mutilated six-year-old Mojay's right hind leg and Motoo's left front leg.

The animals were following their mother to haul logs in the Burmese forest opposite Tak's Tha Song Yang district when they stumbled on the landmine. The two pachyderms are now being treated at the Elephant Hospital. Dr Preecha said Motoo's injuries were worrying and she required intensive care. Mojay suffered wounds to her hind leg like Motala, another landmine victim, who was admitted to the hospital six years ago. After Mojay's wounds have healed, she might be fitted with an artificial leg, said Dr Preecha. Pasupo Wiangbanlue of Tak's Tha Song Yang district, the owner of the two injured elephants, said high wages drew him to take his elephants to work in Burma.

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