Maharashtra Forest Department Charges Dahanu Woman With Killing Cobra, Following PETA India Complaint

For Immediate Release:

8 January 2024

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Dahanu – Following a complaint filed along with video evidence by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Dahanu Forest Division of the Maharashtra Forest Department registered a preliminary offence report (POR) against a woman who allegedly killed a cobra by beating the reptile to death and then burning the body. Residents stood as mute spectators as the snake was barbarically bludgeoned to death. Cobras are 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 up to seven years in jail and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.

The video showing the reptile’s plight is available upon request.

“This cobra was needlessly subjected to a painful, violent death,” says PETA India Cruelty Response Coordinator Sunayana Basu. “We thank the Dahanu Forest Division – particularly Smt Madhumitha S, IFS, deputy conservator of forests – for its swift action in letting the public know that cruelty to animals won’t be tolerated. We urge everyone who comes across a snake to call the forest department rather than committing a crime.”

PETA India – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – calls for the natural habitats of cobras to be conserved and restored to reduce conflict with humans. The group notes that snakes will usually leave an area themselves if a clear path is made and advises calling the forest department should anyone need help removing snakes.

For more information, please visit PETAIndia.com or follow the group on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or Instagram.

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