City pet shops face action for endangered species trade

New Delhi: Delhi forest department has started a drive to inspect all pet shops in the capital for scheduled species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act , 1972. Officials said the shops found keeping such illegal animals or birds for sale will be sealed, and owners will be prosecuted under the Wildlife Protection Act.

"All four deputy conservator of forests (DCFs) have been asked to identify and act against pet shops selling animals and birds illegally. A similar campaign was initiated last year as well. Many species of animals and birds, like parakeets, are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. However, exotic animals need to be declared separately under the Living Animal Species Rules, 2024," said a senior forest official.

The official added that pet shops are allowed to sell only domesticated animals like cats and dogs, which are not protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Another official said if any species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act is found to be present at any pet shop, it will be sealed, and an FIR will be lodged under the act to initiate legal action against the accused.

In an inspection of over 30 pet shops carried out by a team of animal protection advocates—Ahimsa Fellows— in 2022, many animals protected under the Widlife Protection Act were found to be sold. TNN