Three rose-ringed parakeets rescued by Tirupati Forest Division

Three rose-ringed parakeets unlawfully confined by fortune-tellers near Appalayagunta Temple in Tirupati were rescued by forest officials after a PETA India complaint.

Hyderabad: Swift action by the Tirupati Forest Division has led to the rescue of three captive rose-ringed parakeets that were being unlawfully exploited by fortune-tellers near the historic Appalayagunta Temple, following a complaint filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

The illicit practice was uncovered on August 22 when a PETA India representative observed three individuals operating along the temple access road. Each fortune-teller had confined a parakeet in a cramped cage to lure and consult clients, a PETA statement on Thursday said.

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Upon receiving the alert, forest officials rushed to the scene and apprehended the offenders, secured the birds, and issued strict warnings regarding the unlawful capture and confinement of protected wildlife.

The offenders were penalized with a fine of Rs 4,500 under Section 54 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972.

According to PETA, rose-ringed parakeets are strictly protected under Schedule II of the WPA, 1972. Capturing, possessing, or trading these birds carries severe consequences, including fines of up to Rs 1 lakh, a prison sentence of up to three years, or both.

The rescued parakeets are currently under the protective care of the Tirupati Forest Division, undergoing health evaluations and observation prior to their planned release back into the wild.

“PETA India is grateful to the Tirupati Forest Division… particularly the Divisional Forest Officer, Tirupati, V. Saibaba, IFS, and Forest Section Officer, Sankarappa, for promptly rescuing the parakeets,” PETA India’s Cruelty Response Assistant, Vamsi Krishna in a statement said.