Activists question ethics of using snakes as stage props

COIMBATORE: The recent performance of a snake dance in Sivananda Colony by a nomadic troupe where snakes were used as part of the act, has brought to the forefront the legality of such dances, not to mention the ethics of making the reptiles perform.
According to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, using snakes in shows is a non-bailable offence. Both activists and snake experts propagate stringent action against the culprits as such performances are harmful to the snake, sometimes causing death.
N Sadiq Ali, who has been involved in the rescue of snakes, said that such snake shows are a recent trend which has become popular in the last five to six years. Most often, the snakes are swirled around several times, endangering their health, he added. A few weeks ago he had come across a similar event in Ooty where the forest department rushed to the spot to nab the culprits. Unfortunately, the performers had escaped. However, officials imposed a fine on the organizer.
When Sadiq first became aware of the performance at Sivananda Colony, he immediately lodged a complaint with the forest department. However, no one turned up to rescue the reptiles. Despite several attempts to contact the officials, no one was available for comment.
Off the record, a few forest department officials said that the problem was partly caused by training imparted to the public in the rescue of snakes. Dr K Asokan, director of Coimbatore zoo and a veterinarian said that entirely possible that those trained in handling snakes are making a business out of their skills. “Many people are being trained in catching snakes. They can easily make money by selling them for poison or meat. An ounce of poison fetches thousands of rupees,” he said. He said that any rescue training must be conducted only under the supervision of the forest department.
However, most trainers say that their workshops are conducted only under the supervision of the forest department officials. They said it was the duty of the forest department to take firm action against the guilty to curb such illegal activities.