Three arrested in Andhra's Srikakulam for wildlife trafficking, rare wild animals seized

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], November 12 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Forest officials arrested three people for illegal wildlife trafficking in Srikakulam on Tuesday. Intercepting their vehicle, the officials seized rare species of animals.
According to an official press release, the accused were transporting rare species of animals from Bhubaneswar, Odisha to Bengaluru.

The seized animals included a seven-year-old African Sulcata tortoise, two one-year-old tortoises, 17 African ball pythons and a four-month-old serval cat.

The suspects, identified as Syaj, Vijay, and Muzayith, are from Karnataka. Cases have been filed against them, and they were produced before a court, said the officials.

Animal Husbandry Department officials checked the health of the animals, which were found to be stable after receiving medical care. They will be moved to the Visakhapatnam Zoo.
The forest officials said that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found harming or smuggling wildlife. (ANI)