TIMES OF INDIA (New Delhi) 02 December 13 Star turtles rescued from Kharghar shop
Kharghar: Animal rights activists of People For Animals (PFA) and Ahimsa Sangh raided a pet shop in Kharghar, along with the police, and rescued two protected star turtles recently. Two persons who were arrested by Kharghar police on November 29, were released on bail by the Panvel Court on Saturday.
We had got a specific tip off that two exotic star turtles were put up on sale at a shop ub Crystal Plaza, Hiranandani Market, in Sector 7. With the cooperation of Kharghar police, we raided the place and rescued the marine creatures which are being abused and exploited in a wildlife racket as ornamental pets,'' said activist Chetan Sharma of PFA.
Assistant police inspector Sachin Shevale informed TOI: The two persons arrested under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 are the pet shop owner Mukesh Bhat (34) and a young assistant Rajiv Raut (19). We are further inquiring into this wildlife racket dealing with exotic pets.''
Sharma added that earlier Mumbai's Crawford Market used to brazenly sell exotic pets like star turtles, parrots, and other protected species of birds and animals. However, due to constant vigil by animal rights groups and several raids in Mumbai, this racket is slowly shifting to suburban areas and other places in Thane and Navi Mumbai. We will continue to act against such illegal activities,'' he added.
Earlier in August this year, the animal rights NGO Plants & Animals Welfare Society (PAWS-Mumbai) had rescued and released three protected species turtles, including two star turtles, from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai regions, and also released a parrot after its medical treatment. An animal lover had tipped them about some boys in Kurla carrying two turtles in a plastic bag. PAWS volunteers had rushed to the spot and seized the turtles which were later identitifed as star turtles.
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