Surat: A case of wildlife misuse for commercial purposes has surfaced in Surat, prompting the forest department to issue a notice to a local mobile shop owner. The incident involves the use of an elephant in a promotional video for a mobile phone brand, which has raised serious legal concerns.
The owner of "Havmor Mobile Shop" in Surat allegedly used an elephant to advertise the durability of a mobile phone. A video that has gone viral on social media shows a man placing a phone under the feet of the elephant to demonstrate its strength. The act was carried out as part of a branding campaign for the shop’s products.
As per agency report, using any wild animal for advertisement or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited under forest department regulations. In response to the viral video and clear violation of wildlife protection norms, the forest department issued a notice to the shop owner about four days ago, seeking a formal explanation.
However, no response has been received from the shop owner so far. While the violation is evident, no action has yet been taken by the local police authorities in the matter. The forest department is currently awaiting the shop owner's reply, after which appropriate legal action may follow.
The case has sparked concern among wildlife activists and legal experts, as it highlights a growing trend of using animals for publicity stunts despite clear prohibitions. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that such violations are dealt with seriously to prevent future misuse of protected wildlife.
