Statement on Tiger Avni’s Killing from PETA India

Avni the tigress has been killed.

In response, Meet Ashar, PETA India’s lead emergency response coordinator, said the following: “Avni was killed illegally to satisfy a hunter’s bloodlust, plain and simple. The perpetrator acted in possible contempt of court and in apparent violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Avni may not have died instantly but, rather, slowly and painfully from blood loss – and likely in front of her now orphaned and vulnerable cubs. This matter must be investigated and treated as a wildlife crime. Whether the killing was sanctioned by the state or not, nobody can be above the law. This is a dark day for our nation, and we must hang our heads in shame – both now and, if this act goes unpunished, into the future.”

PETA India had earlier urged Shri AK Mishra, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) for the Government of Maharashtra, to stop the “shoot at sight” order and opt for a humane solution that did not involve killing Avni or forcing her cubs into a life of captivity.

Ecological balance can never be restored through the barrel of a gun, as murder does not address the root cause of the issue. Town and city planning must include forest protection, and interactions with wildlife must be based on humane solutions. We thank everyone who fought for Avni’s life and for the well-being of her cubs.

Please take action now by writing to the Honourable Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr Harsh Vardhan, and asking him to treat Avni’s killing as a wildlife crime. Please write to [email protected]