Question : PLUCKING OF FEATHERS OF BIRDS

(a) whether the Government are aware that shuttle cocks of Badminton are made up by using feathers of ducks/goose;

(b) if so, whether the number of feathers are plucked more than the actual requirement thereby causing unbearable pain to birds or death of birds;

(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government to curb such menace; and

(d) the efforts made towards development of alternate non-animals/bird substitutes?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI DILIP SINGH JU DEV)

(a) Yes, Sir. Shuttle cocks used for playing Badminton are made of feathers obtained from Poultry.

(b) No such instance has come to the notice of the Government.

( c) Does not arise.

(d) Shuttles made from synthetic material are also used for playing.