There are a lot of animals that are listed as “banned pets” in India. While you may think owning a bird or a tarantula is harmless, keeping them as pets is illegal, and can land you in jail.
Hence, you must be aware of the legal consequences before having a pet.
This article will give you an idea of illegal pets in India. You should seek professional advice from police and legal personnel to avoid any kind of trouble.
Table of Contents
Why it’s Illegal to Own some animals in India?
The Indian government has banned the ownership of some animals with the exception of dogs, cats, and horses for citizens.
Owning a pet in India is illegal for three reasons:
1) The country’s laws and regulations lack complete provisions to protect animals from cruelty and abuse.
2) The local authorities argue that the stress on public health is due to a large number of stray animals, which can lead to an increase in rabies cases.
3) Rabies outbreaks are a major concern as they affect both humans and animals alike, as well as can prove fatal if not treated immediately.
Animal Welfare Laws in India
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960)
- The Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision) Rules, 1998
- A 2006 amendment specifies that experimenters must first try to use animals “lowest on the phylogenetic scale”, use the minimum number of animals for 95% statistical confidence, and justify not using non-animal alternatives.
- A 2013 amendment bans the use of live animal experiments in medical education.
- In 2014 India became the first country in Asia to ban all testing of cosmetics on animals and the import of cosmetics tested on animals.
- In 2013 India made it illegal to use captive dolphins for public entertainment
List of illegal pets in India
Birds
Birds like Rose Ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Red Munia, and Jungle Maina are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Even the African grey parrot, Blue-throated Macaw, and Yellow-crested Cockatoo are protected from international commercial trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Some birds are allowed in India too. Read this list of allowed birds in India.
Tortoise and turtles
Most of the species of tortoise and turtles are not legal to own in India. Since most people can’t differentiate between kinds of tortoise, it’s easy to get misled into buying or owning an endangered species. The Indian Star Tortoise and the Red Ear Slider are among a few types that are illegal to own.
Aquatic species
Having an aquarium filled with beautiful marine fish is great, but it is not practical to keep these sea animals in cramped, small water bowls. These fishes don’t survive for long without salt water. Cetaceans (dolphin or porpoise), penguins, otters, and manatees are banned according to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It is also prohibited to keep or sell a few species of endangered fish.
Snakes and other reptiles
India might be known for snake charmers but it is illegal to own any native wildlife snake species here. Indian gharial, monitor lizards are also banned as pets.
Monkeys
Monkeys are revered in Hinduism and devout Hindus often feed them. Monkeys, like other wild animals, can’t be kept and trained for entertainment purposes in India under Section 22 (ii), PCA Act 1960.
Conclusion
We seek the companion of a pet for peace and relaxation. Hence, always check legalities before getting a pet. This post is not legal advice. Always consult law enforcement before keeping a pet.
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