Macaque Rescued From Circus Abuse

Hyderabad: A concerned citizen’s complaint that an adult Rhesus macaque was being illegally kept captive and used as a circus performer in an animated circus in Hyderabad led to its rescue by the Hyderabad forest department and police. The monkey, found chained, was shifted to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Hyderabad shelter for emergency care.

The rescue operation was carried out with the support of PETA India and local animal welfare activist Gayatri Sanguo. Forest officials said that after the necessary procedures, arrangements were made to release the animal to a suitable natural habitat.

Peta said in a statement that using monkeys in shows is banned in India under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. Rhesus macaques are also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Under current rules, anyone keeping such animals in captivity must register them with the relevant wildlife authorities within six months of the Gazette notification or within 30 days of captivity.

Keeping rhesus macaques unregistered is a criminal offense and attracts imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of ₹ 1 lakh, or both.