Two booked for abusing Indian python at Greater Noida event
Two individuals have been booked under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, for abusing an Indian python during an event at ATS HomeKraft Happy Trails Society in Sector 10, Greater Noida. The incident, which took place on October 6, was caught on video and sparked outrage after it showed one of the accused forcing the snake’s head into his mouth and clamping its jaw between his teeth.
The Indian python is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, granting it the highest level of protection. The Gautam Buddh Nagar Forest Division registered a preliminary offence report (POR) against the accused under Sections 9, 39, 48, 49, and 51 of the Act, with support from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. The offence carries a minimum jail term of three years, extendable to seven years, along with a fine of at least Rs 25,000.
Following the intervention, the python was rescued and released into the wild. "We commend Ramesh Chandra, IFS, Conservator of Forest, Meerut Circle, and Pramod Kumar Srivastava, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar Division, for registering the case and sending a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated," said Virendra Singh, Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India.
PETA India emphasised the need to respect wildlife and highlighted the cruelty involved in using snakes for entertainment. According to the organisation, snakes used in shows are often trapped from their natural habitats, their teeth violently removed and their mouths sewn shut. Captured snakes usually endure slow and painful deaths.
"The best way to revere snakes is to leave them alone in their jungle homes. Using snakes in roadside shows is cruel, illegal, and disrespectful," added Singh.
