What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In a significant operation, two Indian porcupines (Hystrix indica), a species protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972, were rescued from unlawful confinement in Bihar. Acting on a video showing the porcupines confined in a small cage, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India collaborated with the Mithila Forest Division of the Bihar Forest Department to register a wildlife offense report (WLOR).
The porcupines were found at Ward No. 5, Jainagar, Madhubani shop. The WLOR was filed on December 19, under sections 9, 39, and 49(B) of the WPA, 1972, against the illegal custodian, Mr. Vikas Kumar. Following the rescue, the porcupines were examined by the Veterinary Officer of the Tirhut Forest Division in Muzaffarpur. After a thorough medical assessment, the animals were safely released back into their natural habitat.
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Any offence against species protected under Schedule I of the WPA is punishable with a minimum jail term of three years, extendable up to seven years, along with a fine of at least ₹25,000.
Virendra Singh, Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India, praised the swift action taken by the authorities. “We commend Shri Arvind Kumar Dubey, Range Forest Officer, Madhubani, for promptly rescuing the porcupines and registering the WLOR, clearly conveying that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. This incident is exactly why laws exist to keep wild animals where they belong – in nature,” Singh stated.
Indian porcupines face threats from hunting, as their meat is considered a delicacy, and their quills are used in traditional medicine, ornaments, and as good luck charms. These illegal activities pose a significant threat to the species’ survival.
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PETA India’s intervention underscores the importance of wildlife protection laws and the need for strict enforcement to prevent cruelty against animals. The collaborative effort between PETA India and the Bihar Forest Department highlights the effectiveness of timely action in protecting endangered species.
This rescue operation serves as a reminder of the critical role that legal frameworks and vigilant enforcement play in wildlife conservation. The successful release of the porcupines back into their natural habitat reflects the commitment of organizations and authorities to uphold the protection of India’s rich biodiversity.
