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The seizure and the subsequent euthanisation of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon have led to a heated debate over the government's involvement in keeping pets in the United States. On October 30, the squirrel and the raccoon were taken by officials of the state Department of Environmental Conservation from Mark Longo’s home in rural Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border. At the time, the agency said there were multiple complaints that Longo kept wildlife illegally and potentially unsafely.
Officials have faced a barrage of criticism over the move, with government workers complaining that they have since received violent threats, The Associated Press reported.
As per the DEC and the Chemung County officials, the squirrel and raccoon were euthanised to test them for rabies after Peanut bit one of the DEC workers involved in the investigation.
Longo brought the squirrel home after its mother was hit by a car in New York City. Over the next seven years, Peanut got over 900,000 followers on Instagram and another 500,000 on TikTok. Fred was a recent addition to Lango's farm.
“It’s no real big shocker to me, considering I lived with Peanut for seven-and-a-half years and Fred for five months. I’m not foaming at the mouth,” Longo said.
In a statement, the DEC noted that an internal investigation was underway, adding they were also reviewing the internal policies and procedures.
The incident has raised concerns over the wildlife rules around the world, including India.
Indian laws on keeping wildlife as pets
In order to protect wildlife in India, the Parliament passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972, which has received significant amendments from time to time.
The prime objective of this Act is to provide protection to the wildlife animals, birds and plants, besides empowering the Centre to declare certain areas as Sanctuaries or National Parks.
The Schedule I and II of the Act have clearly specified a complete list of animals and birds restricted from keeping in custody, possession, selling or transport, with certain exceptions. No person, without the previous permission in writing from the Chief Wild Life Warden or the Authorised Officer, can acquire or keep them.
Terming wild animals as the property of the state government, the Act states that any person who obtains, by any means, the possession of the government property, shall report it to the nearest police station or the authorised officer within 48 hours of obtaining such possession.
Penalty
If a person contravenes any provision of the Act or breaches the conditions of the licence or permit granted under it shall be punished with imprisonment for a term extending up to three years or with a fine extending up to ₹25,000, or both. However, this excludes Chapter V-A which deals with the prohibition of trade or commerce in trophies or animal articles as well as Section 38J, which is about the prohibition of teasing of animals.
On offences committed in relation to any animal specified in various Schedules, then he/she will be imprisoned for a term of not less than three years, extending up to seven years as well as the fine which shall not be less than ₹10,000.
Officials have faced a barrage of criticism over the move, with government workers complaining that they have since received violent threats, The Associated Press reported.
As per the DEC and the Chemung County officials, the squirrel and raccoon were euthanised to test them for rabies after Peanut bit one of the DEC workers involved in the investigation.
Longo brought the squirrel home after its mother was hit by a car in New York City. Over the next seven years, Peanut got over 900,000 followers on Instagram and another 500,000 on TikTok. Fred was a recent addition to Lango's farm.
“It’s no real big shocker to me, considering I lived with Peanut for seven-and-a-half years and Fred for five months. I’m not foaming at the mouth,” Longo said.
In a statement, the DEC noted that an internal investigation was underway, adding they were also reviewing the internal policies and procedures.
The incident has raised concerns over the wildlife rules around the world, including India.
Indian laws on keeping wildlife as pets
In order to protect wildlife in India, the Parliament passed the Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972, which has received significant amendments from time to time.
The prime objective of this Act is to provide protection to the wildlife animals, birds and plants, besides empowering the Centre to declare certain areas as Sanctuaries or National Parks.
The Schedule I and II of the Act have clearly specified a complete list of animals and birds restricted from keeping in custody, possession, selling or transport, with certain exceptions. No person, without the previous permission in writing from the Chief Wild Life Warden or the Authorised Officer, can acquire or keep them.
Terming wild animals as the property of the state government, the Act states that any person who obtains, by any means, the possession of the government property, shall report it to the nearest police station or the authorised officer within 48 hours of obtaining such possession.
Penalty
If a person contravenes any provision of the Act or breaches the conditions of the licence or permit granted under it shall be punished with imprisonment for a term extending up to three years or with a fine extending up to ₹25,000, or both. However, this excludes Chapter V-A which deals with the prohibition of trade or commerce in trophies or animal articles as well as Section 38J, which is about the prohibition of teasing of animals.
On offences committed in relation to any animal specified in various Schedules, then he/she will be imprisoned for a term of not less than three years, extending up to seven years as well as the fine which shall not be less than ₹10,000.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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