Madhubani: Two Porcupines Rescued from Illegal Confinement, Man Arrested, Following PETA India Complaint
Acting on a video showing two Indian porcupines (Hystrix indica), a species protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972, unlawfully confined in a tiny cage, PETA India worked with the Mithila Forest Division of the Bihar Forest Department to register a wildlife offence report (WLOR).
The porcupines were reportedly confined at a shop in Ward No. 5, Jainagar, Madhubani – 847 226. The WLOR was registered on 19 December under sections 9, 39 and 49(B) of the WPA, 1972, against the illegal custodian, Mr Vikas Kumar. Both porcupines were safely rescued and examined by the Veterinary Officer of the Tirhut Forest Division, Muzaffarpur. Following a medical assessment, the animals were released back into their natural habitat. Any offence against species protected under Schedule I of the WPA is punishable with a jail term of at least three years, which may extend to seven years, and a fine of at least ₹25,000.
Indian porcupines are hunted for meat and their quills are used for traditional medicines in ornaments and as good luck charms.
