Alappuzha (Kerala): Forest and police officials have rescued a juvenile Brahminy Kite, a protected bird species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), from a restaurant in Alappuzha, and booked the eatery’s owner, PETA India said on Tuesday.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India stated in a release that it learned the Brahminy Kite was in illegal possession of the restaurant. The bird was allegedly being used for entertainment, including being handled by tourists and made to pose for photographs.

Raid conducted after tip-off

PETA India said it coordinated with the Alappuzha police and the Ranni Forest Division to carry out a raid on the establishment, following which the bird was rescued from the premises.

“Subsequently, PETA India worked with the Alappuzha police and the Ranni Forest Division to raid the establishment and rescue the bird, the statement said.”

Case registered under Wildlife Protection Act

PETA India said the Ranni Forest Division registered a Wild Life Offence Report (WLOR) under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act against the restaurant owner after the raid. The matter is currently under investigation.

It further noted that the Brahminy Kite is listed under Schedule I of the WPA and is accorded the highest level of legal protection.

Under Section 51 of the Act, offences involving Schedule I species carry a punishment of imprisonment of not less than three years, extendable up to seven years, along with a minimum fine of Rs 25,000.

PETA India Lead Cruelty Response Coordinator Sreekutty Bennet said birds are social beings “born to fly in the open sky and not spend their lives lonely and miserable in cages, terrified.”

She added: “We commend the Alappuzha Police and the Ranni Forest Division for taking swift action and registering WLOR. Strict enforcement is essential to deter such dastardly acts by restaurants and protect wildlife.”