SC notices to CZA, Centre, states on PETA plea

New Delhi, May 8(UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) , Union government and all state governments and union territories on a PIL filed by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) seeking directions to the respondents not to allow 91 Zoos who have been refused recognition by CZA and to take possession of all animals housed in these zoos.

A bench comprising chief justice Y.K. Sabharwal, Mr. Justice C.K.

Thakker and Mr. Justice R.V. Raveendran issued notices after hearing the counsel for the petitioner who pleaded that the aim of setting up of zoos was to promote conservation of wild life and breeding of endangered species and these objectives are being ignored by those who are running zoos without seeking recognition from the CZA.

There were 159 recognised Zoos as on March 31,2004 having custody of 28607 animals including 6747 endangered species and on March 31,2005 the total number went up to 41235 icluding 10818 endangered species.In addition to that 148 establishments like small deer parks, hotels, institutes and circuses etc. are also operating having innumerable animals for exhibition.

The petitioner has pleaded that it is cruel to keep animals without a mate and without their natural habitats and environment and whether keeping of genetically crippled species is not against conservation of wild life as these animals can not be released in the wild.The petition has also sought immediate closure of 91 zoos who have been denied recognition by the CZA but were still operating.The writ petition contans 13 prayers including total ban on small establishments using animals for pecuniary gains.

The petitioner has also prayed for proper medical care and hygienic conditions for the animals.

UNI AKS/SC RP GC1937