In a significant move, forest department officials in the Pune division have issued strict regulations against visitors who engage in feeding wild animals and birds, while flaunting the same in social media. The forest officials booked such individuals who violated the wildlife feeding regulations in 7-8 instances. These offenders are residents of Warje and Kothrud, who upon being apprehended by the forest officials claimed that they were not aware of the consequences of their activities. Mr. Deepak Pawar, the Assistant Conservator at Pune forest, stressed the need to spread awareness about the ill impacts of feeding wild animals.
In India, Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, penalises actions such as petting, feeding, and repeated interactions with wild animals. Thus, it is unlawful to feed wild parrots and mynas, and capture photographs of snakes or interact with them to display one’s courage. The act of feeding or petting wild animals can induce human dependency on them and, thereby, disrupt their natural behaviour and instincts.
The enforcement of such strict regulations is rudimentary to uphold the importance of respecting wildlife and preserving their natural habitats.
