City Parrots

DailyIndia.com

Mumbai Police on Thursday rescued 200 parrots, which were kept in cages for sale by peddlers.

Activists of ‘Karuna’, a voluntary group helped police in the rescue effort.

Jitendra Shah, member of Karuna, said, “There condition is pitiable, many are hurt and cannot fly. I request people to protect and save these birds.”

The bird trade is banned in the country, but with lax laws and enforcement and mild punishment, poaching and smuggling of rare species is rampant.

Displaying of birds specially parrots in cages is also illegal and punishable by a fine and imprisonment of up to five years.

“These people are not aware of the Wild Life Protection Act and the Prevention of Cruelty Act. We keep track of these illegal activates and the moment we get any information, we start the rescue operation,” said Shamrao Jedhe, Assistant Commissioner of Mumbai Police.

Many birds held captive die when released. Others are captured and brought back into the business by traders.

Birdlife International, a worldwide conservation group, had warned that some 300 Asian bird species face extinction, particularly in India, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, due to poor protection and habitat destruction.

Religion also plays a significant role in promoting wild bird trade. Many, especially Jains, Buddhists and Hindus believe releasing birds that are held in captivity can purify the soul and relieve personal sins.

In India, fortune-tellers use parrots to forecast destiny of people.