Ludhiana: At least 38 red munia birds, a protected species whose commercial sale and possession are prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, were rescued from a pet shop in Jagraon by a team of the forest and wildlife department, with the help of a local environmentalist on Thursday.
Officials said they would be released into the nearest wildlife sanctuary after the competent court grants the necessary orders and their veterinary examination and health reports are completed. The Ludhiana Rural Police have registered an FIR against the shop owner following a complaint by Narinder Singh, wildlife range officer. The action followed a tip-off received by environmentalist Sahil Sharma about the alleged illegal sale and purchase of red munias. Sharma alerted the forest and wildlife authorities, following which a team raided the Royal Pet Shop in Jagraon and rescued the birds. The rescued birds are currently in the custody of the concerned authorities.
The FIR has been registered against shop owner Manish Gumber under Sections 2, 9, 39, 48, 49, 51 and 57 of the Wildlife Protection Act at the Jagraon City police station.
