150 ornamental fishes, artificial colourants seized
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 02 2023:
The People for Animals, Manipur has seized roughly 150 ornamental fishes being sold by the roadside in fish bowls filled with artificially coloured water by non-locals in Athokpam, Waithou and Canchipur areas.
According to a statement issued by L Biswajeet Meitei, managing trustee, People For Animals Manipur, the team also seized artificial colourants from the non-locals who allegedly hailed from Haryana.
A pair of these ornamental fishes are reportedly being sold for upto Rs 600 along with the fishbowl and the artificially coloured water.
While a single fish by itself is sold at Rs 150, the statement added.
People For Animals Manipur also claimed that according to previous buyers, these ornamental fishes do not survive for long period as they are exposed to the artificially coloured water.
It further added that the fishes usually survive for less than two days.
People for Animals Manipur has denounced this practice whereby the fishes are exposed to water that is not suitable to them and also duping the buyers.
The team advised the sellers to sell these fishes in the shade in untreated clear water and released them."The fishes are being kept at the PFA shelter and monitored.