Get a cage and take the bear, say Chhatbir officials

It was stated in the application that the animal could only be released when there was a cage and other sufficient equipment to handle it. He added that as Chhatbir Zoo was a public place, it would be dangerous to hand over the bear to its owners in the absence of equipment to control it.

The official, who appeared on the behalf of the Wildlife Department, added that the sloth bear was behaving like a wild animal and requested the court to issue directions to the applicants to bring a cage and other equipment along so as to avoid any loss to public or property at the time of release. The official further requested the court to direct UT Wildlife Department authorities to pay for the upkeep and feed of the animal.

It may be recalled that release orders of the animal were passed here yesterday after the applicants furnished sapurdarinama8217; in the sum of Rs 20,000 each with one surety of the like amount. They had stated that they were entitled to the custody of the animal as they had a valid licence to hold its possession.

The applicants had earlier been booked under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act.