Macaque Rescued From Circus Abuse
The rescue operation was carried out with support from PETA India and local animal welfare activist Gayatri Sanguo. Forest officials said arrangements are being made to release the animal into a suitable natural habitat after necessary procedures.
HYDERABAD: A concerned citizen’s complaint about an adult Rhesus macaque being illegally held captive and used as a circus performer in a moving circus in Hyderabad led to its rescue by the Hyderabad forest division and police. The monkey, found chained, has been shifted to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Hyderabad’s shelter for immediate care.
The rescue operation was carried out with support from PETA India and local animal welfare activist Gayatri Sanguo. Forest officials said arrangements are being made to release the animal into a suitable natural habitat after necessary procedures.
Peta said in a statement that using monkeys for performances is banned in India under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Rhesus macaques are also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. As per existing rules, anyone keeping such animals in captivity must register them with the concerned wildlife authorities within six months of the Gazette notification or within 30 days of captivity.
Keeping Rhesus macaques without registration is a punishable offence, attracting imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both.