Authorities have launched an investigation into what appeared to be the abuse and mistreatment of a flamingo, which was on sale at the Port Mourant Market, Region Six in Guyana. Photo: Guyana Times

In a viral video on social media, the flamingo is seen strung upside down, in clear distress. There has since been public outrage, with many calling on the authorities to take action against the persons responsible for capturing the bird.

However, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), in a statement on Monday, explained that flamingos are not protected according to Guyana’s laws. It is listed under CITES Appendix II which places it under the Second Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.

Notwithstanding this, the Commission said the manner in which the flamingo was displayed amounts to cruelty and is a violation of Regulation 28 of the Wildlife Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use Regulations.

The penalty for such a violation is a fine which can range from $400,000 to $750,000 and imprisonment for not more than six months.