PETA asks govt to probe website selling tigers

MUMBAI: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked the central government to investigate a website's claim that it sells tigers.

In a letter dated Sep 9 to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the animal rights organisation said: "We were shocked about the claims of the website buytigers.com, which says it sells five-month-old female tigers".

The letter addressed to the secretary of the ministry was sent by Anuradha Sawhney, PETA India's chief functionary.

The PETA letter claimed that the website says: "It was a dream until yesterday, now it's true. Directly from our India breedings, we give you the possibility to buy a tiger online and without any trouble."

"The website claims they have been breeding tigers in India and shipping them worldwide since 1984. They also claim to provide a breeding manual," the PETA letter said. The website says a five-month-old tigress costs $13,400, and comes with an "ivory collar", three "tiger toys" and a guide.

PETA requested the government to "investigate the matter and take appropriate steps to prevent trade of these animals as tigers are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972".