You’ve probably never heard of elephant polo, and now that Guinness World Records has agreed to stop documenting records for wins in elephant polo matches, perhaps you never will again. The publishing giant made the move after learning from PETA U.K. that captive elephants forced to perform in such matches in India and Thailand are torn away from their families, beaten, and gouged with rods that have sharp metal tips.
In a letter to PETA U.K., Guinness Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday wrote, “This decision is in line with our policy not to accept or recognise any records based on the killing or harming of animals.”
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Among the other records the book will not recognize are those involving fox hunting and bullfighting. Anyone who still thinks that elephant polo or other cruel “sports” are acceptable should have the divots stomped out of them.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
