Legal loopholes and weak enforcement leave India’s exotic pet trade hard to police
Rising disposable incomes, social media algorithms, and pop culture influences have led to a surge in demand for exotic pets in India, reports Mongabay India’s Arathi Menon. A recent report by the Humane World for Animals (HWA) valued India’s exotic pet market at $42.6 million in 2024, and projected it will nearly double by 2030. […]
The exotic pet trade in India is struggling to be properly regulated, with loopholes and weak enforcement hampering efforts to control it. Rising affluence, social media algorithms, and cultural influences are driving demand for non-native animals, which is expected to nearly double by 2030. Despite existing laws to prevent illegal wildlife trade, trafficking continues due to enforcement gaps and unmonitored online transactions.
Online platforms and closed messaging groups enable discreet transactions, avoiding health checks and documentation. Social media algorithms amplify the demand by showing popular videos to more viewers, creating a cycle of desire for exotic pets. Petting zoos also contribute to this demand. In 2020, India's environment ministry launched a Voluntary Disclosure Scheme, allowing owners of non-native pets to register them with authorities without fear of prosecution.
Over 40,000 people across 30 states and union territories claimed their exotic pets. Additionally, the country updated its wildlife law to require registration of possession, transfer, birth, and death of species listed under CITES, the global wildlife trade treaty. This amendment provided forest departments with a vital tool to combat illicit possession of non-native animals within India's borders.
However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain as challenges persist in enforcing the laws and monitoring online sales.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
