Naga Panchami 2026: PFA, GHSPCA appeals to public to stop cruelty against snakes

Ahead of Naga Panchami on August 17, the PFA, GHSPCA has urged people to stop cruelty against snakes in the name of religious practices. It warned about illegal capture, injuries, starvation and harmful handling, and appealed to citizens to report such cases.

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA), on the occasion of Naga Panchami to be celebrated on August 17, appealed to the public to stop the cruel practices carried out against snakes in the name of religious beliefs and to help protect these important wildlife species.

Soudharm Bhandari, GHSPCA Coordinator, said in a press release that in the weeks leading up to Naga Panchami, snakes are illegally captured and subjected to severe cruelty by snake charmers, including removal of fangs, damage to venom glands, stitching or damaging of mouths, keeping snakes confined in dark and unhygienic conditions, and depriving them of food.

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Snakes are then displayed publicly and offered milk, says D Joshi of PFA Abhaya. However, milk is not a natural part of a snake’s diet and can cause serious health problems. Many snakes suffer or die because of injuries, dehydration, starvation, infection, and improper handling.

The GHSPCA will carry out rescue and awareness operations in different parts of the city, and citizens coming across a snake charmer displaying or handling snakes were urged to contact emergency contact numbers of Telangana Forest Department: 18004255364, GHSPCA: 8886743881, 9394578568, and PFA Abhaya: 9441131481.