Monkey dancers, snake charmers banned
Raju, a monkey, is seen chained to a wooden log on a thatched roof at Banetha village, located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan. PHOTO: REUTERS
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has banned using monkeys and snakes for entertainment purposes. The violators will face be fined and get cases registered against themselves.
IWMB Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan told The Express Tribune that the decision has been taken in light of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders.
The snake charmers and monkey men will have to give up their profession and the archaic tradition will have to end to eliminate the cruelty against animals.
The official said that the IWMB had previously placed a similar ban for dancing bears. She added that using animals for entertainment purposes was violation of Animal Protection Act.
Khan said that the use of animals for dancing and earnings would be stopped at all costs.
IWMB Deputy Director said they have launched a crackdown after the board's orders and so far, eight monkeys have been released.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2020.