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7 animals you can’t keep as pets at home

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, several wild and exotic species such as tigers, blackbucks, elephants, snakes, and red pandas cannot be kept as pets.

These laws aim to protect wildlife and prevent illegal animal trade.

India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, prohibits owning certain wild and endangered species as pets, including tigers, red pandas, and elephants.

India is home to millions of stray animals, be it cats or dogs. Indian strays are fed with Dal Chawal or kulche. Yet, there are some animals and birds which can’t be kept as pets inside your homes.

The Animal Welfare Board of India and local Resident Welfare Associations cannot ban pets in local residential societies, as it contradicts with Article 51(A)g of the Constitution and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The Central government recommends bans or restrictions on specific dog breeds.

However, as per the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, there are some animals which can’t be kept as domestic pets.

Let us take a closer look at it.

Tigers: These animals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972. Keeping them as pets is illegal due to conservation and safety concerns.

Star Tortoises: These are known for their attractive shell patterns. They are often sought after but are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The Indian star tortoise gets its name from the distinctive star-like patterns on its shell, which help it camouflage in dry grasslands and deserts.

Indian star tortoises can live up to 80 years in captivity, but their population is declining in the wild due to illegal pet trade and habitat loss.

Blackbucks: Revered in some Asian countries, these animals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Owning them as pets is legally prohibited.

Parakeets: Popular varieties like rose-tinged, and plum-headed and parakeets are protected species making them illegal to be kept as pets.

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Elephants: These are also protected animals and private ownership requires permission from the government.

Snakes: Many snakes such as red sand boas are generally in high demand to be kept as pets but are protected species.

Red Pandas: Native to the Himalayan region, red pandas are endangered animals. Owning them is illegal due to their protected status and ecological significance.

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