Capybaras are exotic pets found in South America and people around the world want to keep them as pets. People from India ask me if it is legal to own capybaras in India or can they have capybara as pet in their home.
Capybaras are one of the best pets one can have. People like them because of their friendly behaviour and high intelligence.
There are many countries that allows its citizens to keep capybaras as pets legally whereas there are many where it is not legal to own capybaras.
Lets see if it is legal to own capybaras in India or not.
Contents
Is It Legal to Own Capybaras in India
No, it is not legal to own capybaras in India. According to The Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it is illegal to keep as pets any animal or bird that is found in the wild.
Capybaras are not indigenous to India. They are native to South America and found in Soutn American countries.
The Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 doesn’t allow it’s citizens, any animals or birds that are found in wild, to keep them as pets in captivity.
Are Capybaras Dangerous – Do Capybaras Bite
The exact legal status of owning capybaras in India may vary depending on regional wildlife protection laws, local regulations, and the classification of capybaras as either protected or non-protected species.
It is advisable to consult with local wildlife authorities or governmental agencies responsible for wildlife management to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the legality of owning capybaras as pets in specific areas within India.
How Can You Own Capybaras in India
So, now you know it is not legal to own capybaras in India but if you still want to keep capybaras as pets, there is a way.
If you want to keep capybaras as pets in India you need to obtain special permission or lisence from the concerned department. This way you can legally own a capybara in India.
The process or requirements may vary depending on state or union territory laws and regulations in which you reside.
Basically, the person who wants to keep capybaras as pets in India need to
- submit an application
- explain why he/she wants to keep them as pets
- explain the required arrangements and facilities they have made for their health amd safety
Then the authorities will check factors such as
- if the the environment for the capybara is good enough
- the food requirements will be met at the place
- the capability of the owner to keep them healthy and provide adequate care
- any past experience of keeping animals as pets
Things to Consider Before Buying a Capybara
Capybara as Pets – Do Capybaras make Good Pets
So, basically it is not legal to own capybaras in India but if you get permission you can keep them as pets.
Penalties If You Illegally Own a Capybara in India
There are countries where it is not legal to own capybaras and if anyone found guilty they may end up paying heavy fines or even a sentence prison such as in florida. Read Here.
Similarly, it is not legal to own capybaras in India and if you found in illegal possession then it can lead to severe penalties.
Violators may face fines, confiscation of the animal, and even imprisonment, as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Offence of Illegal Possession under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
If a person is found to be in illegal possession of an exotic animal, including capybaras, they may face penalties as outlined in the Wildlife Protection Act. The act categorizes offenses into two levels: cognizable (serious offenses) and non-cognizable (less serious offenses).
For cognizable offenses, which involve possession of highly protected species or large quantities of wildlife products, penalties can include imprisonment for a term of three to seven years, along with substantial fines ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 or more.
For non-cognizable offenses, which involve possession of less protected species or smaller quantities of wildlife products, penalties can include imprisonment for up to three years and fines ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 25,000 or more.
It’s important to note that the specific penalties may vary based on the circumstances of each case, the severity of the offense, and the discretion of the judicial system.
Authorities to Consult Before Buying a Capybara
You need to consult the concerned authorities and departments before keeping a capyabara as pet in India.
It is not legal to own capybaras in India but before dropping the idea of keeping them as pets you should consult the local wildlife authorities or seek legal advice from experts knowledgeable about the wildlife laws in their respective regions.
These authorities can provide up-to-date information on the specific regulations and guide potential owners through the permit application process.
- The State Forest Department, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and
- The Wild Animal Board (WAB)
are responsible for enforcing wildlife protection laws and issuing permits for the ownership of exotic species.
To Wrap Up
While capybaras being one of the best pets one can have, their ownership in India is subject to legal regulations aimed at safeguarding wildlife and ensuring their conservation.
It is not legal to own capybaras in India due to strict laws on wildlife but you can still get permission from the concerned to keep them as pets.
People who want to own capybaras must familiarize themselves with the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and adhere to the permit requirements set forth by the relevant authorities.
Responsible ownership ensures the well-being of the animal and contributes to the larger goal of wildlife preservation.
To ensure accurate and up-to-date information regarding penalties for illegal possession of exotic animals in India, it is advisable to refer to the Wildlife Protection Act directly and consult with legal experts or authorities responsible for wildlife conservation and law enforcement.
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