AWBI asks Forest Deptt to protect rescued vulture
   Date :12-Feb-2020

AWBI asks Forest Deptt to 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
 
RAIPUR,
 
Taking cognizance of a letter by wildlife conservationist, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has asked Forest Department to take appropriate action in the case of a Himalayan Griffin Vulture rescued on February 3, 2020. Pictures of some people torturing the vulture were circulated in social media. People were showing the vulture like some exhibition, forcefully spreading the wings of the bird for a photograph. In one of the picture, a person was seen holding the vulture by neck, which was extremely cruel.
 
Conservationist Nitin Singhvi wrote to Principal Chief Conservation of Forest (PCCF) Wildlife, Chief Conservator of Forest, and Forest Department Secretary to take stringent action on the persons seen in the photographs tormenting the bird. A copy of letter was also sent to the AWBI Chairman Dr OP Choudhary and AWBI Secretary Dr Neelam Bala. The AWBI officials wrote back saying, “Cruelty to animals is an offense under Section 3 & 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and violation of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
 
The Supreme Court of India has also issued several directions in order dated 7.5.2014 to all the State Governments to take steps to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and a copy of the extract is attached for your information. It is requested to take appropriate action in the matter and forward a copy of the action taken report to the Board.” According to Sub-Divisional Officer Kanan Pendari Bilaspur, where the vulture has been kept, one person was deployed to observe the bird from a distance comfortable to the bird as they get stressed easily from closeness to the humans. The vulture also reported to have consumed some meat and was recuperating.