In a major crackdown, animal activists yesterday rescued nearly hundred birds and animals kept for sale at pet shops in Vasai.

According to police sources, the activists and the cops reached Vasai market early on Monday morning to inspect the condition of pets kept caged in the shops. "We found that several birds and animals were kept in cages that are much smaller in size and, therefore, were causing discomfort to the animals. We have freed the birds and the caged animals are in the possession of the activists," an officer from Vasai police station said.