Activists with the Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and local police recently tracked a dance troupe from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
After almost a week, they said they rescued an Indian rock python allegedly being used in a road performance at a Ganesh pandal in Jawaharnagar, the Deccan Chronicle reported.
Here's what to know
The activists at GHSPCA and police acted on information that a dance troupe was allegedly featuring a live snake in its shows. The organization later said that on Sept. 20 it apprehended the alleged snake handler and seized both the python and a boiler chicken hen.
Before that seizure, GHSPCA said its team had been following the troupe for five days after getting reports about the snake's supposed role in the performance. During an earlier attempt to intervene, the alleged handler reportedly got away before police and rescuers could detain him.
By the time the troupe was located again, GHSPCA alleged that the python was being used openly in the road act. It claimed the hen was also being subjected to mistreatment as part of the same performance.
What's being done?
After the rescue, GHSPCA said the python was found to have an infection affecting its mouth and teeth, and the animal was placed under veterinary care.
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The organization also called for authorities to take action under the area's wildlife protection laws.
Where can I learn more?
Though snakes may seem scary to some, people are doing what they can in other places to keep these reptiles alive and well.
• Park contractors in Singapore take swift action after workers spot a reticulated python in a drain.
• In downtown Los Angeles, rescuers pull a 20-foot python from a dumpster after abandonment.
• In Telangana, India, a snake catcher bags an Indian cobra found inside grandparents' house.
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