Illegal Pets In India: The Complete Guide

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 only give you information about illegal pets in India. By no means this should be treated as legal advice. You should seek professional advice from police and legal personnel before getting a pet to avoid any kind of trouble.

Why it’s Illegal to own some animals as pets 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

Source: Wikipedia

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 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 saltwater. 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. Instead, you can safely keep freshwater fish in the aquarium.

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.

Petfather Team

We have been dealing with Pets and Aquarium fish for the last 10 years. I have started this blog so that I can share my knowledge with you. I recommend seeking out professional advice whenever necessary, instead of seeking information on this website.