Indian Owls

The Warner Brothers' publicity department has gone into overdrive for the launch of the latest Harry Potter movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. The popularity of the Potter series has a downside in India, according to Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. He recently pointed out that there had been an increase in people wanting to buy owls from illegal bird traders and that this is contributing to the demise of owls in India. Vultures are also doing badly in India, because of the widespread use of deadly chemicals in agriculture. Owls are also sacrificed for Diwali and in black magic rites. He can't blame Hedwig for these barbaric practices.