Kerala Draft Bill to Kill Dangerous Wild Animals

Kerala: The Kerala government has approved a draft bill that would allow the killing of wild animals considered dangerous to people and their property. The move comes after a rise in incidents where wild animals, including elephants and wild boars, entered human settlements, damaging crops and at times causing serious injuries and deaths.

Officials said the bill aims to strike a balance between protecting human lives and maintaining ecological safety. According to the draft, only animals that pose a direct threat will be targeted, and actions will be taken under strict conditions to avoid misuse of the law.

The government argued that the decision was necessary to address growing public anger, especially from rural and farming communities who have repeatedly demanded stronger measures against animal attacks. Farmers in many parts of Kerala have long complained about crop destruction, property loss, and the constant fear of unexpected encounters with wild animals.

At the same time, the bill has sparked discussions on wildlife conservation and ethics. Environmentalists and animal welfare groups worry that such a law could encourage unnecessary killings and disrupt the delicate balance of Kerala’s forests and biodiversity. They have urged the government to adopt preventive measures, such as better fencing, habitat management, and rapid response teams, instead of focusing only on culling.

The draft bill will now move forward for further discussion and approval before becoming law. Once passed, it is expected to set guidelines on when and how dangerous wild animals can be killed, aiming to ensure both public safety and responsible wildlife management.