Newspapers Promoting the Use of Tiger Claws

[Guest guest]

This message was sent by Ms. Belinda Wright, Executive Director,

Wildlife Protection Society of India.

Azam

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I don't know if you saw this outrageous piece on tiger claws in the

newspapers last Friday. We have written to the Press Council of

India (see below) requesting the Council to exercise their authority

to ensure that the Deccan Chronicle and The Asian Age publish a

retraction and an apology, for encouraging activities that leave

their readers liable to criminal charges.

 

With best wishes, Belinda

---

 

The Secretary

Press Council of India

Soochna Bhavan

8 CGO Complex

Lodhi Road

New Delhi – 110 003

 

2 June 2006

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

Re: Newspapers Promoting the Use of Tiger Claws

 

We were shocked and outraged by a fashion item on page 25 of the

Chennai edition of The Deccan Chronicle dated 2 June 2006, and a

similar story titled `Fashion Movement' on page 25 of the Delhi

edition of The Age, (the magazine section of The Asian Age), dated 2

June 2006, both of which urged readers to wear a tiger claw to make

a fashion statement.

 

As you are aware, the tiger is listed in Schedule I of The Wild Life

(Protection) Act, which means it is accorded the highest degree of

protection under Indian laws. The usage of any of its parts is an

offence against the Act, and can attract a prison sentence of 3 to 7

years, and a minimum fine of Rs.10,000.

 

Apart from legal provisions, the tiger is India's national animal.

Enforcement authorities and wildlife conservationists throughout

India are fighting a desperate battle against organised poaching

gangs and loss of habitat, to save the tiger. To urge young people

to wear its body parts to " look very stylish " is insensitive and

offensive, to say the least.

 

We are sure that you will agree that it was extremely irresponsible

of these national level newspapers to advise their readers to breach

both national and international laws. We are attaching copies of

emails that have been sent to the Editor of The Deccan Chronicle by

the Chairman of the Ranthambhore Foundation, and the Founder of the

Global Tiger Patrol.

 

We request you to exercise your authority to demand that the Deccan

Chronicle and The Asian Age publish a retraction. We also hope that

you will order them to issue a printed apology for encouraging

activities that leave their readers liable to criminal charges.

 

We look forward to action on your part.

 

With best wishes,

 

 

Belinda Wright

Executive Director

 

Cc: The Editor, Asian Age, S – 7 & 8 Green Park Main Market, New

Delhi 110 016

The Editor, Deccan Chronicle, 6-3-898, Raj Bhavan Rd, Somajiguda,

Hyderabad 500 082

 

=====================================================

Belinda Wright, Executive Director

WILDLIFE PROTECTION SOCIETY OF INDIA (WPSI)

S-25 Panchsheel Park, New Delhi 110017, India

Tel: (Int+ 91.11) 4163.5920 & 4163.5921

Fax: (Int+ 91.11) 4163.5924

E-mail: wpsi

Website: www.wpsi-india.org

=====================================================

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