Activists rescue parrots from illegal traders
Monday, March 29, 2010 at 2:11 
These Ring-necked and Alexandrine parakeets are the result of illigal trade. Image by Jeannette GonzalezAHMEDABAD: They are born free but have fallen victims to human greed and fancies. Hundreds of tiny winged creatures are illegally sold at Sunday Market near Ellis bridge.
Tiny Alexander parrot with green feathers and red beek, popularly known here as Rajpipro no popat', comes under scheduled birds' catagory of endangered species, but can be seen cramped up in small cages, or stuffed in small cotton bags as they are brought for sale in the market.
The buyers are ready to spend from Rs 700 to Rs 1,000 for the chirpy and affable tiny parrot.
On this Sunday too, vendors arrived in the market with the birds, knowing very well that the sale is an illegal act.
Later, volunteers of city-based Shri Cultural Foundation rescued eight Alexander parrots from the clutches of illegal traders. Mukesh Bhatti of the foundation said, "The birds were cramped up in small cages and left to die. One of the parrots we rescued was found dead. The illegal vendors poach these birds when they are just born."
"Last week too, we had rescued some birds belonging to scheduled bird category from this illegal market. Even after repeated complaints, forest officials have not initiated action in this regard," he said.
Animal activists say these enchanting birds are caught in the wild and sold in complete violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Provisions of this Act can be used against those keeping birds and animals in market places in such a way causing them pain or suffering. Keeping them in cramped space and in small containers is also an offence.
Only recently a huge consignment of love birds, another rare species, was seized by the government railway police (GRP) officials in Ahmedabad.
Turtles, rabbits and some exotic species of birds are also sold openly in the market right under the nose of forest department officials. The forest officials, however, were not available for comment on the illegal trade of birds and animals.