The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) has appealed to citizens to refrain from practices that subject snakes to cruelty during Naga Panchami, which will be observed on August 17. GHSPCA has been rescuing, treating and releasing snakes into their natural habitats since 2005, particularly during Naga Panchami. It said snakes, particularly cobras, are sometimes illegally captured in the weeks preceding Naga Panchami and subjected to severe cruelty by snake charmers. The rescued snakes are often displayed in public and subjected to practices such as being made to consume milk or having kumkum and other substances applied to them. GHSPCA said it would conduct rescue and awareness operations during Naga Panchami in coordination with the Forest Department and other animal welfare organisations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.