Raipur Forest Division Books Snake Charmers, Seizes Three Snakes, Following PETA India Complaint
Following the receipt of photos and videos from whistleblowers showing cobras confined in small wicker baskets and publicly displayed by snake charmers during Nag Panchami in Khamtarai, Raipur, PETA India worked with local volunteers Deepesh Mourya, Urja Shringarpure, Shashank Upadhyay and Akash Soni to get a preliminary offence report (POR) registered for the illegal possession, exhibition, and use of three cobras. Cobras are protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972, and capturing, possessing, or injuring them is a non-bailable offence, punishable by a jail term of at least three years, which may be extended to seven years and a fine of at least Rs 25,000.
The Raipur Forest Division registered a POR against the three snake charmers on 29 July for the above-mentioned offences under sections 9, 39, 43, 49(c), 50, 51 and 58(c) of the WPA, 1972. The forest officials seized the three snakes and sent them for care and rehabilitation to a wildlife conservation facility in Raipur that provides a species-specific environment.
PETA India has requested the Raipur Forest Division to register a fresh offence against another snake charmer. The accused used more snakes while out on bail for the offence of illegal possession, use, and exhibition of a cobra, registered under POR 1063/13, on 27 July.
PETA India commends Shri Loknath Patel, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Raipur Division, for registering the POR and sending a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.
Each year during Nag Panchami, there is a surge in illegal capture of snakes, especially cobras. They are trapped and taken from their natural habitats by snake charmers in disregard of the WPA, 1972, to capitalise on people’s superstitions.
These animals are kept in small, dark wicker baskets, without space to stretch or move, leading to immense suffering. Their teeth are often violently yanked out and their venom glands emptied by painfully squeezing their heads, and in many cases, their mouths are sewn shut, leaving only a small gap into which water or milk can be poured. They’re then taken to cities to be used in cruel displays and performances. The “dance” that snakes perform is actually a fearful reaction to the charmer’s pipe, which the animals perceive as a threat. Captured snakes often die slowly and painfully.
Snakes are fascinating animals who can learn and communicate through body language. Pythons protect their young, and king cobras make nests for their eggs.
