There were numerous accounts of elephant abuse in the 1800s, but because of the times it was not considered abuse. While reading through the “young people” section of the Barton County Democrat newspaper (1897), I was sickened to find this story about an elephant who was punished as being responsible for the death of its keeper.
For the record, I absolutely love elephants and believe they should remain protected in their natural environments. But the 1800s were a different time and hopefully we have all evolved on the issue of animal cruelty since then.
KILLED HIS KEEPER.
How an Elephant in India Was Punished for the Crime.
Did you ever see an elephant whipped? I don’t supposed you would ever forget it if you did. They frequently do it in India, because elephants are very obstreperous at times.
Recently an elephant, Abdul, was convicted by court-martial for killing his keeper, and sentenced to 50 lashes and two years imprisonment.
Two elephants led Abdul to an open space, and in the presence of the whole battery the punishment began. The culprit trumpeted in fear, and made an unearthly noise.
There were 14 elephants on one side, and the officers and men of the battery on the other three. In the center of this hollow square stood Lalla (No. 1), the flogger, and the prisoner. The latter was chained by the four legs to as many heavy iron pegs, and could not move.
Fastened to Lalla’s trunk was an immense cable chain. When all was ready the major gave the word, and down came the chain with a resounding whack. Abdul roared for all he was worth. Fifty times was the operation repeated, and then Abdul was taken to a compound, where he was to remain a prisoner for two years.
