A snake show of a group of mitered snakes or snake friends at Vidya Mandir High School in Urjanagar on Friday has angered wildlife activists. The program was canceled midway after a verbal complaint was filed with the forestry authorities by the joint secretary of the Green Planet Society, Prof Sachin Wazalar. Although no offense was registered under the Wildlife Protection Act violation, the offenders were left with a stern warning. Before the forest officers and savage activists arrived, one of the accused took all the snakes out of the place. Later, the defendants were taken to the ranger's office for interrogation, but no snakes were captured.
"A python of Indian Rock and two Russell Vipers were on display during the show." Weak and unhealthy reptiles were handled with sticks, "Wazalwar said, adding that python is an endangered animal." Maltreating and endangering is similar to endangering the tiger, "Wazalwar said.
"Those who participate in the snake show are associated with the Snake Friends Organization. After being trained recently, they are causing injuries to rare species. After rescuing snakes, they are kept in a closed plastic container instead of releasing them into the forests, captivity makes the snakes weak and become incompatible with the natural habitat, "added Wazalwar.
He lamented the fact that no action was taken against the offenders and that they were left with a slight warning. Rajiv Pawar told TOI that snake friends were warned and allowed to go as no complaint was filed against them.