Pigeon with ‘BAN’ tag seized in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district

Mayurbhanj district officials in Odisha reported the seizure of a pigeon that carried a conspicuous ‘BAN’ tag on its leg. The bird was taken into custody after it was spotted in a local market area and identified as violating transport restrictions.
The ‘BAN’ tag is used by wildlife and forest authorities to mark birds that are not permitted to be moved across state lines or sold, serving as a deterrent against illegal trade. Possession of such a tagged bird can attract penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The pigeon has been handed over to the state forest department for further examination and appropriate legal action, as per standard protocol for wildlife violations.