For trying to sell parakeets online YouTuber arrested in Assam

GUWAHATI: In a joint operation between Kokrajhar Police and Kachugaon Forest Division, a “YouTuber” was arrested for catching parakeets from the wild and offering them for sale on his YouTube channel.

Two parakeets were recovered from his possession and confiscated. The arrest was made following a complaint by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Assam and the Divisional Forest Officer, Kachugaon.
A preliminary offense report has been registered against the accused for illegal hunting, capture and sale of wild parrots in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) 1972, which treats parrots as a protected species.
“Catching, buying, selling, or caging a parrot is illegal and can result in imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both,” said Saloni Skaria, PETA India Crime Response Coordinator. ”
He added, “Caged birds have nothing to sing about. Birds belong in the sky, never in cages, and whoever is raising a bird like that, we urge them to Turn them over to your local forest department or animal protection group and be reunited with a herd for rehabilitation.”

The illegal bird trade is a major problem in the region but is often overlooked by authorities. Actions are visible when someone complains.