Hamirpur Man Arrested for Killing Two Cobras Following PETA India’s Intervention
Acting on an alarming video that appeared on a social media account showing a man allegedly throwing two cobras into a pile of burning hay, which resulted in the snakes’ deaths, PETA India worked with the Hamirpur Forest Division of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to register a preliminary offence (POR). The individual responsible has also been arrested.
The snakes killed were suspected to be Indian Cobras, a species protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972. The POR was registered under sections 9, 39 and 51 of the WPA, 1972. The offence is non-bailable and is punishable by three to seven years in jail and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.
The cobras were forced to endure a painful, unnecessary death. PETA India thanks the Hamirpur Forest Division and especially Shri Anil Srivastava, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, for their swift action in letting the public know that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. We urge anyone who comes across a snake to call the forest department rather than committing a crime.
PETA India calls for the natural habitat of cobras to be conserved and restored to reduce conflicts with humans. The group notes that snakes usually leave an area if a clear path is made. PETA India also advises calling the forest department for help removing snakes.
Demand Stronger Penalties For Cruelty to Animals
