Makar Sankranti: PETA Says No to Harmful Kite Threads, Yes to Happy Birds!

Lucknow - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and Ashray Foundation collaborated to raise awareness by dressing a large kite with a costume made from a bird trapped in a "glass-coated nylon thread," reading, "Coated thread harms bird wings" and "Avoid the deadly thread." The initiative aims to educate the public that glass-coated nylon threads, used in such kites, pose a danger to both birds and humans. Due to the hazards of these sharp threads, many animals and humans suffer injuries annually, emphasizing the need to use only plain cotton threads for kite flying.

Utkarsh Garg, the Campaign Coordinator for PETA India, stated, "The thread harms both humans and birds, proving fatal for both. We urge everyone to abandon the use of such threads and celebrate the Makar Sankranti festival for everyone's well-being."

All types of threads used in kites endanger humans, animals, and the environment. The sharp edges of glass-coated nylon threads have destructive effects on the population of several endangered species and birds. Thousands of birds get entangled every year, leading to injuries and loss of life due to blood loss. Additionally, birds stuck in these threads often go unnoticed on trees or buildings, making it challenging for veterinarians to provide timely assistance, resulting in painful deaths.

These threads frequently wrap around trees, poles, and structures, contributing to environmental pollution. Every year, several humans lose their lives due to these threads. Last December in Mumbai, a 37-year-old woman lost her life due to injuries from getting entangled in a glass-coated thread. In another incident in Uttar Pradesh, a 25-year-old person suffered severe injuries to the throat, and within two days in Gujarat, 1,281 accidents were reported due to kite strings, claiming 11 lives.

Deaths from kite strings are also linked to blackout and electric shock. Power distribution companies have issued warnings against flying kites near power lines, as it can lead to short circuits and pose a fire hazard.

PETA India operates under the principle that animals should not endure any form of cruelty.