Mumbai: On the occasion of Wildlife Week, RiWild Sanctuary group has launched a statewide awareness campaign to highlight the illegal trade and keeping of native wild birds, turtles and other wildlife species as pets.The campaign was formally launched by Srinivas Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Maharashtra, with the unveiling of a series of awareness posters featuring some of the wildlife species most commonly trafficked and illegally kept as pets in India.The posters will be distributed to more than 500 veterinary clinics across Maharashtra.“The campaign aims to use veterinary clinics as important points of public awareness, helping veterinarians educate pet owners about native wildlife species that cannot legally be kept as pets, as well as the legal provisions and penalties associated with their illegal possession and trade,” said Dr Rina Dev, president of RiWild Sanctuary & Charitable Trust.“It is important for veterinarians to raise awareness among pet owners, as many people unknowingly purchase wildlife species that are illegal to keep as pets. Unfortunately, many of these animals are eventually abandoned. We have seen Indian Star Tortoises being abandoned on highways and even dumped in municipal garbage bins,” said Dr Dev who is also a veterinarian.RiWild says that the growing demand for wild animals as exotic or unusual pets contributes to a cycle of illegal capture, trafficking, improper care and eventual abandonment. Veterinarians can play a critical role in breaking this cycle by educating owners and directing them towards appropriate authorities and rehabilitation organisations when wildlife is encountered.The campaign specifically seeks to address the misconception that native wildlife can be kept as pets simply because the animals are readily available in the illegal pet trade. The posters provide information intended to help veterinarians and members of the public recognise commonly trafficked species and understand that their possession and trade may have legal consequences.The aim is to create a network of informed veterinarians and responsible pet owners who can help prevent the illegal acquisition and abandonment of India’s native wildlife.Many of these commonly kept species are protected under Schedule I and Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Keeping, possessing, buying, selling or trading such wildlife without lawful authorisation can attract legal consequences under the Act.
