8 Animals That Are Illegal As Pets In India

Zee Media Bureau
Jun 28, 2024

Monitor Lizards

Because of their protected status and unique habitat needs, keeping monitor lizards as pets is banned in India unless formal licences from wildlife authorities

Indian Pangolin

As the world's most trafficked animal, pangolins are strictly protected by Indian law, and keeping them as pets is forbidden

Turtle and Tortoise Species

Most of the turtle and its species are on the verge of extinction. Indian Star Tortoise, Flapshell Turtle are some of the names that are illegal as pets in India

Peacock

While not typically considered pets, collecting or keeping peafowl is prohibited by the Wildlife Protection Act due to their protected position as India's national bird

Pit Bull

It is one of the world’s most aggressive dogs and is now illegal to keep as a pet in the country

Big Cats

Lions and tigers are forbidden because they are endangered and constitute a threat to public safety

Monkeys

Several species of monkeys, including macaques and langurs, are protected by wildlife regulations and cannot be kept as pets due to worries about the transmission of illnesses like rabies and causing public annoyance

Elephants

Elephants are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act and cannot be kept as pets because of their size, habitat needs, and potential threats to public safety

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