Carlsberg Retracts Elephant Polo Sponsorship

PETA, which is no stranger to sponsorship protests has won yet another victory, this time getting Danish beermaker Carlsberg to pull out of its title sponsorship of a major elephant polo match, which was scheduled for this Saturday in Jaipur, India. The company's Carlsberg Elephant brand had planned to title sponsor the match.

PETA had pointed out that captive elephants are routinely trained and disciplined with the use of sharp metal hooks called ankuses. Carlsberg, which has operated in India since 2006, responded by yanking its sponsorship of the upcoming event.

"Thanks to Carlsberg India's compassionate decision, a prestigious, world-renowned company has cast its vote against elephant polo", says PETA India Chief Functionary Poorva Joshipura, who notes that in 2010, Guinness World Records Ltd decided to remove all references to elephant polo records out of concern for the animals. "We would be pleased to work with Carlsberg to help make other companies aware of the suffering of captive elephants."

PETA says it is now offering to work with Carlsberg to use its Elephant brand beer to promote elephant protection.

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