GEORGE TOWN, July 1 -- As animal rights groups slammed the use of elephants in a wedding procession last weekend, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) responded late last night by announcing it will set up a special task force to review and improve existing laws and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

On Sunday night, wildlife conservation artist Christine Das lodged a police report after seeing videos circulating on social media showing a wedding procession in which the couple rode an elephant.

She said elephants are endangered and held in trust by Perhilitan for conservation.

"I lodged the police report because I believe this is a matter of public interest that deserves transparency," she told Malay Mail.

She...