Kolkata: The West Bengal government has decided to impose a complete ban on keeping Indian species of birds as pets at home.
The state Forest Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick said that the ban might be imposed in the month of August. “Violating that will be considered as a punishable offense and will strict action will be taken by competent authorities,” he added.
However, slight relaxations will be given in the case of keeping foreign species of birds as pets.
“Foreign species of birds can be kept as pets for breeding purposes only and the owners will have procured a license for the same. This license will be granted against the payment of a registration fee of Rs 15,000,” the Minister said.
"The owners will not be allowed to exhibit the foreign birds in public and will not be able to sell them in the open market Before taking legal actions against those who are already having Indian species of birds as pets, my department will be undertaking a thorough campaign program so that they become aware of what to do and what not to," the minister added.
According to an official from the state Forest Department, under Indian law, keeping Indian birds as pets is barred in the entire country.
“But very few people are aware of this law. Among many households, birds especially parrots, are kept as pets. But it is high time that the government acts strictly on this issue and hence this new state law is being brought,” he added.
With inputs from IANS