Exotic Pet Registrations in Delhi Remain Low in face of New Rules

New Delhi: While registration of exotic pets was made mandatory in the capital last year, the number of registrations has remained dismal. 

So far, forest department has received 35 applications for exotic pets in Delhi. While the initial deadline for application submission was August 31, 2024, officials now say people should apply and register their pets within 30 days of purchase.  

Forest officials said that the species registered so far included macaws, sun and blue conures, love birds, African grey, cockatoos, iguanas, red-eared sliders, diamond doves, budgerigars, monk parakeets, corn snakes, and black-throated monitors.

In 2024, the Delhi Forest Department issued a call for residents to register their exotic pets. This move followed the introduction of the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, which were officially notified on February 28. Under these rules, individuals owning pets listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 are legally required to register them.

The amended Act outlines detailed protocols for registering the possession, transfer, birth, and death of scheduled species. These animals are listed in the Appendices of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and have been incorporated into Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, reflecting their status as protected species under international and domestic law.

"The registration is done online on the Union environment ministry's portal Parivesh 2.0, while a demand draft of Rs 1,000 is sent to the state forest department. After all the formalities are completed, the registration request is processed," an official at the forest department said.