The Hindu

Bangalore, Feb 23: The Knowledge Centre at the People For Animals (PFA) that aims to generate awareness about the rescue, care and rehabilitation of wild animals, was inaugurated by the PFA chairperson and Member of Parliament Maneka Gandhi here on Monday.

The newly-inaugurated Knowledge Centre on Uttarahalli Main Road will house information covering anything about wildlife in Bangalore, rescue and conservation. “Pet shop owners smuggle wildlife and endangered species, and many pet shop owners have spent at least a day behind bars for such activities,” Ms. Gandhi said and added that wildlife trade was bigger than drug trade in India.

Venting her ire against fish trade and dog breeding, the former Union Minister said that though hunting of peacock was banned, the sale of its feathers was allowed. “A peacock sheds a feather once in a month.

However, for the purpose of trade its features are removed forcefully or even by killing them,” she added.

Ms. Gandhi said every time a tree disappeared, birds disappeared with it too.

Every human consumed about seven trees in a year, which could be in the form of paper and others, she added.

Mangoose hair

Pointing at her fight to ban the use of mangoose hair for manufacturing paint brush, she said that action could be initiated only if one knew the laws well.

Ms. Gandhi urged students to take care of the animals in the locality by getting them treated, raising small amounts of money for the welfare of animals.

Several youngsters are joining PFA, which was the only such centre in India supporting wildlife, she added.

The occasion witnessed the release of parakeets that had been rescued and ready for release and also tree plantation drive.