11/05/2026
Killing, hunting, trapping, poisoning, injuring, or keeping an without permission is an offence under the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Since it falls under Schedule II (post-2022 amendment), offences can attract:
Imprisonment: usually 3 to 7 years
Fine: typically ₹25,000 or more
Repeat offences can lead to higher punishment and larger fines
The Forest Department can also:
seize vehicles, weapons, nets, traps, or equipment used,
arrest offenders,
file wildlife crime cases in court.
If poisoning happens near wetlands or agricultural lands and multiple birds die, additional environmental and animal cruelty laws may also be applied.
Common illegal acts include:
shooting with airguns,
trapping for meat or trade,
destroying nests/eggs,
poisoning wetlands,
capturing chicks.