Donkeys at Sabarimala Shrine to get justice

Thanks to the judiciary, donkeys which ferry tonnes of foodstuff to the hill shrine at Sabarimala in Kerala, often falling ill and becoming prey to wild animals, are about to get a new deal.

Moved by a petition from an animal lover, a Kerala High Court division bench has decreed that all donkeys should be properly inspected by experts before being asked to trek up and down the mountains.

The famed Sabarimala temple is situated on the Western Ghat ranges. Each year, some 600 donkeys carry essential items required at the temple top and for the numerous shops that come up en route.

Seeing the plight of the donkeys, K Sandhya from Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta approached the high court, alleging that the donkeys were exploited by their owners and contractors.

Judges Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and P Bhavadasan Wednesday directed police and executive magistrates to ensure that every donkey has certification from the district animal husbandry officers.