Exotic Animal Trade in India: Legal Framework, Challenges, and Implications

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 12 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Tisha Kumar

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I5P104

How to Cite?

Tisha Kumar, "Exotic Animal Trade in India: Legal Framework, Challenges, and Implications," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 12,  no. 5, pp. 30-40, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I5P104

Abstract:

India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, yet the trade in exotic animals is worsening. The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972 safeguarded native species, but it initially did not include non-native animals. This oversight allowed traffickers to exploit a loophole for decades. As India’s pet industry grows and borders with Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh remain easy to cross, both the demand and supply for exotic species have surged. Recent efforts to control this trade include the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (2020) and the addition of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to the WPA (2022). However, trafficking is still easy due to weak enforcement, poor monitoring, and misuse of regulatory frameworks. This paper examines the real-life situation of the exotic animal trade in India by reviewing the laws, enforcement challenges, and the impact on trafficked animals. The findings reveal that poor care practices, unregulated breeding, and online sales worsen animal suffering and pose ecological risks. These risks include the introduction of invasive species and the spread of zoonotic diseases. The analysis points out the disparity between strong legal frameworks and weak enforcement, showing that the system is not yet capable of addressing the scale of the problem. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a national registry for exotic pets, improved enforcement strategies, and campaigns to reduce consumer interest in purchasing these animals. To protect biodiversity, animal welfare, and public health in India, it is vital to address these gaps.

Keywords:

Animal welfare, Biodiversity conservation, CITES, Exotic animal trade, Illegal wildlife trafficking, Wildlife Protection Act.

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