HYDERABAD: Hyderabad task force police, along with officials from the forest department, apprehended seven persons in connection with the display of exotic animals at Xora Pub in Jubilee Hills.
They also conducted searches at ‘Hyderabad Exotic Pets’, a store in Saidabad and rescued several exotic animals belonging to various species. They included 14 Persian cats, three Bengal cats, two iguanas, a pair of cocktools, two sugar gliders and a sun conure.
Inquiries revealed that the store has permission to sell exotic birds, but not exotic reptiles. Meanwhile, a bell python, which was also displayed at the pub, is yet to be rescued.
Task force DCP P. Radha Rao said that the apprehended persons, including the pub owner Vinay Reddy, manager Varahanaidu, pet sellers Tarun and Vamshi, owner of the pet store Yaser and owner of another pet shop Karthik, along with the rescued animals, were handed over to the forest department for further investigation.
Hyderabad district forest officer Joji M said that an investigation is underway and statements of the pub owner, staff and others have been recorded. Action will be initiated against them under the Wildlife Protection Act, he said.
Police found that Vinay Reddy had organised a ‘wild night’ event on Sunday where he exhibited exotic animals to attract more customers. Further investigation is in process, they said.
