PETA India aids rescue of trafficked monitor lizards in Sadashivpet

Hyderabad: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) facilitated the rescue of two monitor lizards after receiving information about injured monitor lizard being sold for meat along the highway in Sadashivpet, Sangareddy district.

The PETA India along with forest department officials acted on the information of monitor lizard being put for sale provided by a traveller. Following days of sustained surveillance and efforts to track down those involved, forest officials apprehended two individuals in possession of two monitor lizards and seized the reptiles which were being trafficked for meat.

Following the seizure, the Sangareddy Forest Division registered a preliminary offence report under Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA). Offences involving species protected under Schedule I of the WPA are punishable with imprisonment of at least three years, which may extend to seven years, and a fine of at least Rs.25,000. The offence is cognisable and non-bailable.

PETA India Senior Cruelty Response Officer, Sinchana Subramanyan commended the Sangareddy Forest Division, particularly M. Naveen Reddy, Deputy Conservator of Forests, for his efforts in ensuring the animals were seized and a POR was registered.

Monitor lizards, despite legal protections, endure severe cruelty. They are hunted for meat and their body parts, often due to false beliefs about their medicinal properties. If a monitor lizard is encountered, the public is advised not to harm or attempt to handle the animal, and to contact the forest department for assistance if needed.