Diageo stops sponsorship of elephant polo tournament

Diageo and Campari Group have withdrawn their sponsorship of an elephant polo tournament in Thailand after animal rights campaign group Peta revealed abusive treatment of the animals.

Diageo and Campari Group have both withdrawn their sponsorship of an elephant polo tournament

Diageo’s blended Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker and Campari Group were both sponsors of the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort’s 2018 King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament.

However, both companies have withdrawn sponsorship after footage emerged showing handlers in a holding area next to the polo grounds repeatedly beating the elephants’ heads with bullhooks – instruments akin to fireplace pokers with a sharp metal hook on one end. These are also used to pull elephants by their ears, PETA said.

Campari Group said in a statement: “The Group condemns any form of violence and mistreatment towards animals and for this reason has decided to immediately suspend its sponsorship of the event.”

PETA welcomed the sponsorship withdrawal from both companies, and said the groups have “set a positive example” for others to follow.

Elisa Allen, PETA director, said: “By withdrawing their sponsorship, these companies have proudly set a positive example for those that still support such abusive spectacles to follow.

“Elephants belong in the wild, not on polo fields, where they’re forced to obey confusing demands under the constant threat of punishment.”