Learn...to Care
is a series that discusses issues relating to Pet Care. The Q & A have
been drawn from an interactive dialogue between Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, renowned animal
activist and discerning common people concerned about the cause. The discussion is laid
before you with her consent. Your comments are welcome on the series at pfa_mg@hotmail.com
You can mail your queries on Pet Care to Mrs. Maneka Gandhi at manekagandhi@mid-day.com answers to which will
be posted at Mid Day's Web Site.
Part
- I
Part - III
Part - IV
Part - V
Part - II
Q.
Many Snake Charmers carry around a snake known as Do-Muha because it is said that it has
two heads which it uses alternately in six months. Is there any truth in this?
A.
No. Like most snake myths this too is absolutely rubbish. The Do-Muha or John's Earth Boa
is a particularly inoffensive, gentle creature. It is a heavy muscular snale with a short
stumpy tail rounded at the end that looks very similar to the head. Snake Charmers who
carry this snake, mutilate its tail making markings to suggest eyes and cutting an
incision in it which leaves a scar that suggests a mouth.
Q. A
Car ran over and killed a stray dog. Is this a crime? What action can be taken against the
killer?
A.
UNder Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, it is illegal to cause
pain and injury to any animal. Running over and kiling a dog is therefore a violation of
this provision. As a witness you can file an FIR against the driver. Get the licence plate
number and make the report to the nearest police station. Whether the accident, has
occured inspite of taking due care such as the crushing of a kitten while reversing will
be taken into account at the time of initiation of the legal procedure.
Q. I have a Parakeet and now I realise that I have amde a mistake in
keeping it for so many years. The problem is that it is now over 8 years old and cannot
fly and its legs are stunted from sitting in a tiny cage. What can I do to make its life
easier? Please tell me how to redesign a cage, for instance.
A.
The ideal thing would be to put netting in the garden with shrubs in it or attached to a
trunk and then let ie be open. But, for a cage, inside the house the cage should be as
large as possible and wide enough for birds to move to different perch levels. Tall narrow
cages are wrong as birds move laterally and not vertically. Your cage should be large
enough for the bid to flap its wings, move and preen itself without touching the sides of
the cage. The wire should have no sharp protruding edges and not be soldered with lead
based solder as this is toxic. The cage should have natural perches made of wood which is
clean. Don't use light wood that falls apart easily and certainly not bamboo. First wash
the wood with vinegar and then put it into an oven for some minutes at 125 C. Scrub
perches regularly. Do not put food and water below the perches as they will get
contaminated bydroppings. Make a paper lined metal tray at the bottom as this allows for
easy cleanign. The cage should be in a room by a window. There should be toys in the cage
like pine cones, twigs, straw and so on.
Q.
My neigbours keep thier pet dog constantly tied up. It is awful to hear the poor
fellow whine and whimper. Is there anything I can do?
A.
The Prevention of Cruelty to ANimals Act 1960 applies equally to pets. According to
Section 11 it is illegal to keep any animal in a cage or enclosure that does not allow it
reasonable movement. It is illegal to keep any animal chained or tethered with an
unreasonbaly short or heavy chain. It is illegal not to regularly exercise any dog that is
habitually chained up. Owners are also required to provide proper food, drink and shelter.
Inform your neighbours of the law and that non-compliance can result in a fine,
imprisonment or both. If they do not listen, you must report them to the police and get
the dog rescued.
