To,
Mr. S.S. Garbyal, IFS, Director General of Forests, New Delhi, India

Dear Mr. Garbyal,

We are Americans of Indian ancestry. We also have several relatives and friends (Indian citizens) who currently live in India.

Together, we donate funds to animal rescue efforts. We do not have any direct affiliations with any charity groups or similar organizations. The sole purpose of this petition is to help speed up the rescue process of abused animals from their cruel and selfish owners.

As you may already know, Wildlife SOS (a private animal rescue charity group) recently rescued Raju, an approximately 50 year old Elephant from his abusive and drug-addicted owner. Raju was being used as a begging elephant for several years and via many different owners. He endured metal spikes constantly digging into his flesh which always kept his feet infected, oozing pus, and causing Raju significant pain and constant suffering.

According to a recent public website post:

"The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department informed Wildlife SOS about Raju’s plight a year ago after which it took a year to get the necessary paperwork and permits including a court order to initiate steps to rescue and rehabilitate Raju."

Firstly, my family and friends wish to acknowledge and congratulate the Indian Forest Service and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department for being proactive in this case. In the past, the various Government departments only acted if animal cruelty and abuses were brought to their attention. It is good to note that the various Indian Government departments are now becoming more proactive, and in doing so, helping save many suffering animals from their plight.

At the same time, it is disheartening to note that it took 1 year to get the necessary paperwork and permits including a court order to initiate steps to rescue Raju. Luckily, Raju survived that extra 1 year. It would be most unfortunate and highly disheartening for any animal rescue team to put so much planning & efforts, and then see the poor animal die horribly in captivity before it was rescued.

Wouldn't you agree that 1 year is too long a time for animal rescue paperwork? Would you kindly take the ownership on this matter and help create a new and efficient process which ensures that the entire process (paperworks + permits + court orders) completes with a few weeks?

If Wildlife SOS or any other similarly respected and highly trusted animal welfare organzations bring a case to your department that clearly proves intentional animal abuse and cruelty, then they should be able to rescue it within a few weeks or less. Wouldn't you agree?

We are sincerely hoping that you would kindly take the ownership on this matter. If you did create a new, very efficient system that cut down paperwork times from years to weeks, that would undoubtedly be the best legacy that you could ever leave for the IFS. Then, you would have left an permanent and excellent mark on the IFS. One that puts you head and shoulders above your predecessors. Your successors would always look up to you.

The everyday and extreme sufferings of Hundreds of thousands of Rajus, Bholas and Leelas across India depend upon your vision, leadership, and most importantly -- your Prompt and Effective Actions.

The complete details of Raju's rescue is at:

http://www.wildlifesos.org/blog/raju-freed-after-50-years-chains

Raju's Journey to Freedom- A Photo Journal:

http://www.wildlifesos.org/blog/rajus-journey-freedom-photo-journal

Thanking you.

Sincerely,

The Kumar family & friends
America & India