CG News: Keeping a parrot or a turtle as a pet is a hobby for many, but did you know that keeping certain species of parrots and turtles is a legal offense? This issue has come into the spotlight again following a recent operation by the Forest Department in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The department seized four protected Indian Roofed Turtles from a pet shop and arrested the shop owner. Officials had received a tip-off that protected turtles were being sold at a pet shop located at Jarahbhatha Mandir Chowk in Bilaspur. To verify the information, the department sent an employee to the shop posing as a customer. The shopkeeper not only confirmed the availability of the turtles but also stated that any desired quantity could be supplied. Subsequently, a joint team comprising the Forest Department and the state flying squad conducted a raid and seized the four turtles. A case was registered against the accused under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and he was sent to jail on judicial remand.
According to Forest Department officials, the Indian Roofed Turtle is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Its purchase, sale, and possession without authorization are strictly prohibited. Similarly, keeping most wild parrot species found in India in cages is illegal. Conviction in such cases entails provisions for both a fine and imprisonment. During interrogation, the accused revealed that he had purchased the turtles in Nagpur, brought them to Bilaspur, and was selling them for ₹1,500 each. The Forest Department has also informed the Nagpur Forest Department about the matter to help uncover the illegal network.
The Forest Department has appealed to the public not to purchase or keep any protected wildlife as pets. If an injured bird or wild animal is found, it must be kept safe only temporarily, and the Forest Department or the police must be informed within 48 hours. Officials state that wildlife conservation is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared responsibility of society as well.
