mid-day’s report on dumping of pets in Aarey Colony prompts honorary wildlife warden of Thane to seek intervention of Aaditya Thackeray
Abandoned bunnies inside the Aarey Colony
A report in mid-day on pets and exotic animals being dumped inside the Aarey Colony has triggered the call to regulate the sale and breeding of such species. Pawan Sharma, the honorary wildlife warden of Thane, has urged Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray to bring out rules to put more checks and balances in the trade.
“This is with reference to controlling, monitoring and regulating the sale of exotic wildlife in Mumbai city and across the state. As we are aware that exotic species are invasive and a threat to our native species of flora and fauna if introduced and can further be dangerous for the whole food chain,” Sharma said in a letter to the minister.
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Sharma highlighted the fact that people buy exotic species but many abandon them when they grow in size or are unable to maintain them. It’s illegal and unethical to abandon such animals, he said.
Trafficking of animals into Indian markets is a huge challenge, said Sharma. “At the same time, there are many species that are internationally banned but illegally trafficked and sold due to their unfortunate demand in our markets. We would like you to initiate certain guidelines which will help in regulating, controlling and monitoring this issue so as to prevent our native wildlife, their habitats and the negative impact on the overall environment if such activity is uncontrolled and the irregularities remain,” reads his letter.
Sharma has suggested the creation of a team of wildlife experts, zoologists, botanists, veterinarians, forest officials, police, customs and civic officials to draft and implement a policy to handle this situation.
Stressing the need to regulate animal breeding, the letter said, “We would also request that pet shops and breeders should be registered with the state authorities after meeting certain criteria and making a mandate of microchipping compulsory along with an NOC from the Forest Department. Please let us know if any support or assistance from us is required.”
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