8 Animals That Are Illegal to Pet in India

Jul 06, 2024, 10:30 IST

Prajvi Mathur

Many species of animals are illegal to keep as pets according to Indian laws for various reasons. Here are such 8 animals that are banned from keeping at home.

Leopard

Leopards in India are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act and are illegal to keep as pets. They are considered a vulnerable species as their population is declining due to habitat loss.

Red Panda

Red pandas or lesser pandas are small animals native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They cannot be kept as pets and are an endangered species due to loss of habitat and illegal hunting.

​Indian Cobra

Venomous snakes like Indian cobra are illegal to keep as pets in India. This is to maintain public safety and prevent the illegal trade of snakes for their medicinal properties or for making substances for intoxication.

Crocodiles

Crocodiles are large and aggressive predators who belong in aquatic ecosystems. They are banned from keeping pets as they can pose public safety issues. They are also legally protected for their conservation.

Peacock

The national bird of India, peacock, cannot be kept as a pet under Indian law. This is to protect them from illegal trade and conserve their population.

Monitor Lizards

It is unlawful to keep monitor lizards as pets without a proper permit. They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act to conserve and protect them.

Asian Elephant

Asian elephants have a cultural essence in India and are illegal to keep as pets. This enormous species is conserved for ethical issues and to prevent them from being imprisoned.

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