Kolhapur: The Sangli forest department took action against a 64-year-old man for illegally transporting wild boar meat in Bhashtewadi in Shirala taluka of Sangli district. Wild boar meat weighing 9.5 kg and a two-wheeler vehicle has been seized from the accused.
Because of an explosive-laced meat ball trap, set in a field near Lohare village for hunting wild boars, hunting of wild animals, possessing its meat, captivity, sale or transportation is a serious crime as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. ” In another incident from Satara, a pet dog was killed.
Shyam Shinde, a local villager from Lohare village said, “Unknown persons had placed an explosive trap in a turmeric field near the village to hunt wild boars. When our team stopped and inspected him, wild boar meat was found with him. Accordingly, the accused was arrested immediately. However, my pet dog came into contact with the explosive-laced meat ball and it exploded, resulting in my pet’s death. The use of explosive traps to hunt wild boars is extremely serious, and such traps can cause grave harm to farmers, women, and the lives of school children.
Range forest officer of Shirala, Ramesh Kamble said, “While patrolling the Bhashtewadi area on Thursday, Tanaji Bhashte was seen moving suspiciously on a two-wheeler. Today a mute animal was killed, who is responsible if a villager dies tomorrow?”