Karnataka for ban on wild animals being used on TV
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The Pioneer
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Bangalore
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19 Apr 2012
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The BJP Government in Karnataka is contemplating a ban on using wild animals in TV serials and commercials. The State’s Forest Department has already filed a complaint with the Press Council of India (PCI) against the commercial use of wild animals in television serials.
In a letter to PCI chairman Justice Markandey Katju, a copy of which was released to media, principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) BK Singh has alleged that some channels were using wild animals in their reality shows to improve their Television Rating Points (TRP).
He said: “Mere possession of scheduled animals amounts to an offence of hunting within the meaning of Wildlife (Protection) Act1972.”
According to the letter, a Kannada entertainment channel had used three Cobras, stitching their mouths, in its reality show and a Parakeet in captivity was used to entertain the audience.
Singh said the State Forest Department had asked the police to book a case against the Director and Producer of the serial. To put an end to such violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has appealed to the Press Council of India to issue a direction banning commercial use of wild animals in television serials, he said.
Sharath Babu, honorary wildlife warden, Bangalore told The Pioneer that he has been complaining against few Kannada channels and their repeated use of wildlife in their shows.
He said: “I have written letters to the Wildlife chief in this regard giving him full account of the serials in which they have used wildlife to entertain the audience. I want a ban on them for using animals in their shows. I have also informed Maneka Gandhi and others in this regard.”
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