The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.

? Maya Angelou?s Caged Bird

India is home to some 1,200 different species of birds. Despite measures to ban capture and trade of wild birds, records indicate that as many as 300 of these species are caught and traded with impunity.

In India, parrots contribute 60 to 70 per cent of the total live bird trade. Chicks (two to four weeks old) are preferred to adult parrots because they can be taught to mimic words. The chicks are removed from their nests with curved needles tied to a rope that are inserted into the nest cavities, entangling them.

For every bird that makes it to the market, two die due to cruel capture methods, in transit, or of hunger, thirst and poor housing.

As birds spread seeds, forests remain intact. For every parrot or Munia that is kept in a cage in a house, there?s one less tree in India. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, it is illegal to keep or confine any animal in a cage that does not measure sufficiently in height, length and breadth to permit the animal a reasonable opportunity for movement. It is totally illegal to cage or trade any Indian bird which is listed in the four schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

This is what you can do to stop cruelty to birds:

2Tell owners of caged birds that the practice is illegal and cruel. Report bird owners, fortune-tellers with caged birds and bird sellers to the local animal protection group or law-enforcement authorities.

2Release birds in a wooded area with a water source, sprinkling plenty of birdseed on the ground to ease the transition. If the bird?s wings have been clipped, it can still be set free within an enclosed area. If the wings grow back, wild-caught birds should be released.

The bird trade flourishes because of ?collectors? of birds and you are encouraging it if you have a caged bird at home. Won?t you rather begin the New Year by going on a nature trail with your children and discover birds where they belong?

PS: Figures sourced from Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC) and PETA, India.

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