World At A Glance

Thai elephant owner to face charges

BANGKOK: A Thai owner of an elephant, which gained worldwide attention after stepping on a landmine, is to face legal action, officials said here on Wednesday. The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals SPCA said it would submit a complaint to the police on the issue. The 38-year-old elephant, Motala, who had been hauling logs about ten kilometers inside Myanmar opposite Thailand8217;s northwestern Mae Sot district, stepped on a mine after being released to hunt for food. SPCA secretary general Roger Lohanan said the elephant8217;s owner knew the area was heavily mined and had been carrying out illegal logging. Members of the Friends of Asian Elephants said Motala would need at least one month to recover from surgery done on her last Saturday, in which a team of 30 veterinarians carried out delicate repairs to her badly damaged front left leg. The are also considering fitting her with an artificial leg.