MALSA in their report told the court that during their surprise visit they found around 20 to 25 pet shops closed. On inquiry they were told that the sale of birds and animals is not being done.
The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and local police to act on complaints of illegal sale of birds and animals in the city and ensure it is stopped.
A division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice GS Kulkarni said if the sale is not limited to Crawford market, but other areas like Borivali and Kurla which is within the jurisdiction of corporation and police, then action should be taken. The court said inaction by officers on complaints can be brought to the notice of the court.
Maharashtra State Legal Aid Services Authority (MALSA) submitted a report to the court about its visit to Crawford market and found that illegal sale of turtles was going on candidly. The report was submitted after the court asked MALSA to make a surprise visit to the market and submit a report.
MALSA in their report told the court that during their surprise visit they found around 20 to 25 pet shops closed. On inquiry they were told that the sale of birds and animals is not being done.
The court gave the directions while hearing a PIL filed by activist Sanjay Shirke. The PIL seeks criminal action against shop owners for animal cruelty and illegal trade.
The plea states that shops do not have licenses from the civic body to operate but no action is being taken by authorities. The petition claims that the shops sell unweaned puppies taken away from their mothers even before they can open their eyes.
It alleges that animals are drugged and large birds, many of which are exotic, are stuffed into small cages and debeaked.
The findings
The petition claims that exotic birds such as koels, jungle fowls, macaws, hornbills, munias, parakeets and mynahs were being openly sold in the market
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