HOROWPATHANA – A local farmer has been taken into police custody following the death of a wild elephant that succumbed to injuries caused by an illegal electrified fence. The incident, which occurred in the drought-stricken region of Horowpathana, has once again highlighted the intensifying conflict between humans and wildlife as the lack of water and food forces animals closer to human settlements.
According to local authorities, the elephant—an adult bull known to roam the area—strayed into a farming plot in search of water. In an attempt to protect crops from wild animals, the farmer had installed a high-voltage, makeshift electrified fence, which is strictly prohibited under local environmental laws. The animal reportedly came into contact with the lethal wires, leading to a prolonged and painful death.
Wildlife officials discovered the carcass during a routine patrol yesterday morning. Preliminary investigations by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) confirmed that the animal died from electrocution caused by an unauthorized connection to the main power grid.
“This is a tragic and avoidable loss,” said a DWC spokesperson. “We understand the immense pressure farmers are under due to the current drought, which has decimated crops and disrupted local ecosystems. However, resorting to illegal measures like electrified fencing is a criminal offense that carries severe consequences. These fences do not distinguish between pests and protected wildlife, and they pose a significant threat to the survival of our elephant population.”
The arrest of the farmer has sparked a polarized reaction in the Horowpathana community. While environmental groups have lauded the swift legal action, local agricultural unions argue that farmers are being pushed to the brink by the lack of government support. Many residents claim that they are left with no choice but to defend their livelihoods against rampaging herds that increasingly encroach upon their land as natural water sources dry up.
“Farmers are struggling to keep their families fed, and when a herd destroys a season’s worth of crops in a single night, the frustration is immense,” said a local community leader. “We need sustainable solutions, like proper trenches or state-sanctioned warning systems, rather than just arrests.”
Police confirmed that the suspect is currently being held for questioning and will face charges under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. The illegal wiring has been removed from the site, and the area is currently being monitored to ensure the safety of other elephants in the vicinity.
Wildlife experts warn that as the dry season progresses, incidents of this nature are likely to increase. They have called on the government to expedite the installation of permanent, non-lethal elephant fencing and to provide better support for rural farmers to mitigate the risks of human-elephant conflict.
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