KATHMANDU: Animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged organisers of the Chitwan Elephant Festival to end elephant-related activities, citing a recent Supreme Court directive recognising elephants as sentient beings.

PETA said the festival had lost support from several sponsors, including Machhapuchchhre Bank and Kathmandu-based tour company Himalayan Social Journey, following the release of footage allegedly showing handlers beating elephants during football activities.

The organisation said its footage showed elephants being struck with sticks and other implements during the festival and alleged that one handler beat an elephant 64 times. It also claimed elephants were beaten with bullhooks and other objects while being used for activities and as photo props for tourists.

PETA President Jason Baker said the Supreme Court directive should prompt an end to elephant-related activities at the festival. The organisation has also urged remaining sponsors, including eBooking Nepal, Barahsinghe Beer and Techminds Network, to withdraw their support.

According to PETA, other sponsors including Pepsi, Buddha Air and Nepal Investment Mega Bank had previously withdrawn support after viewing its footage. The organisation has also called on the Nepal Tourism Board and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to prevent the use of elephants at the festival.

PETA said captive elephants can suffer psychological distress and urged authorities and festival organisers to consider their welfare in tourism activities.