African Grey Parrots Seized From Tarzan Circus by Birbhum Police, Following PETA India Complaint
During a late night raid of Tarzan Circus for forcing animals to perform without a performing animals registration certificate (PARC) and for mutilating birds’ wings to prevent them from flying, Birbhum police and PETA India representatives seized and rescued three African grey parrots. The birds have been transferred to a safe, spacious aviary with the help of the West Bengal principal chief conservator of forests.
A first information report (FIR) was registered for violations of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, under sections 3 and 11(1)(a) for causing unnecessary and pain and suffering to animals; Section 11(1)(l) for mutilation of birds; and sections 26 and 38 for forcing animals to perform unregistered acts and tricks. The provisions invoked in the FIR also include Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, for mutilating the birds by clipping their wings to prevent them from flying.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is the prescribed authority under the PCA Act, 1960, which regulates the use of animals for performances in the country. Tarzan Circus had not registered the animals themselves nor the animal acts with the AWBI.
Several AWBI inspections and numerous investigations by PETA India prove that all animal circuses are cruel. Even in circuses with valid PARCs, animals have been found continuously chained or confined to small, barren cages when not being used for performances. Animals in circuses throughout the country are deprived of veterinary care and adequate food, water, and shelter and are often forced to perform tricks through punishment. Many animals in circuses display stereotypic, repetitive behaviour indicative of extreme stress.
