Dimapur, October 11 (MExN): Wild Life Crime Control Branch (WCCB) has directed to the Heads of all schools/colleges to surrender any illegal wild animal (including specimens) in their laboratories to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State concerned. “They may also be advised against acquisition of wild animal or wild animal specimen in future.” This was stated in a note addressed to the Vice Chancellors of all Universities, Chairman, CBSE Delhi, CEO cum Secretary, ICSE, Delhi, Principal Secretaries, Education of all States/UTs, Chief Wildlife Wardens of all States/UTs issued by the Additional Director of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Shyam Bhagat Negi.
The note stated that there are complaints of some schools/colleges illegally using/possessing wild animals in their laboratories/museums. In this regard, it is mentioned that acquisition or possession of wild animal (any animal specified in Schedules I to IV of the Act) without the previous permission in writing of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State or the officer authorized; is an offence against the Act. Capturing or injuring or killing of a wild animal is hunting and prohibited under law. Contravention of these provisions carries punishment upto 7 years of imprisonment or fine or both. For any violation, the Head of the school/college concerned shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
It may be mentioned that Wild Life Crime Control Branch (WCCB) is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972; for combating wildlife crime in the country.
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