Compensation policy facilitates illegal hunting

Accused hunters from powerful backgrounds easily evade judicial consequences for killing animals by paying fines

LAHORE:

While the imposition of hefty fines on crimes like illegal hunting might deter middle-class wildlife enthusiasts from aiming their rifle at a four-legged target in the woods, it fails to curb the covert hunting activities of poachers from the ruling elite, who can easily afford to clean up the blood of countless endangered mammals with a thick stack of cash.

In May 2018, Punjab Wildlife revised the penalties for illegal hunting, and detention of wild animals and birds by imposing a variety of fines for different species ranging from Rs10,000 all the way up to Rs2 million. However, this policy has brought about a counterintuitive effect, since many influential families have started using it to evade the legal consequences of illegal hunting by paying fines.

Last month, the Punjab Wildlife staff apprehended five suspects who were caught hunting Chinkara deer in the Cholistan Protection Area. However, in a surprising turn of events, the accused were released after paying a departmental compensation of Rs0.8 million. Similarly, protected black Pheasants and Chakor (Palearctic) were seized from a bird shop in Jhelum. Nevertheless, the shopkeeper was let off with a mere compensation of Rs28,000, after requesting leniency.

“70 per cent of poachers caught in illegal hunting opt to pay departmental compensation rather than facing legal action. While some wish to avoid the hassle and expenses of court proceedings, including lawyer fees and multiple appearances, others fear damaging their reputation,” informed Punjab Wildlife Deputy Director Headquarters, Khawaja Junaid.

“The departmental compensation policy is essentially a means to shield politicians, bureaucrats, and the affluent from facing judicial consequences. While the court can impose a monetary fine on an accused person, a criminal conviction renders them ineligible to contest elections or hold government positions. In comparison, India has no provision for departmental compensation to absolve individuals of illegal hunting charges. This is evident in the high-profile case of actor Salman Khan, who continues to face legal proceedings for the illegal hunting of blackbuck,” expressed a senior official from Punjab Wildlife.

Concurring with the official, Mustanir Lodhi, President of the Hunters and Conservators Association Punjab, made a stark observation that poachers are often treated like the favourite children of wildlife authorities. He emphasized the need to correct the direction of wildlife laws, which currently focus primarily on hunters with guns. “All poachers must be given severe punishments instead of petty fines,” urged Lodhi.

On the other hand, Fahad Malik, Head of the Mission Awareness Foundation, took a stronger stance, calling for a complete ban on all forms of legal and illegal hunting of wild animals and birds.

According to a spokesman for Punjab Wildlife, since March last year, 278 individuals were found guilty of violating wildlife regulations and were issued challans, resulting in fines totalling Rs5.679 million. As per the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Rules, 1974, the shooting license fee for wild animals and birds listed in Wildlife Schedule I and IV, excluding partridges, quails, and chickens, is Rs2,000 for Pakistani citizens, valid for one year. In contrast, foreign citizens are required to pay a significantly higher fee of Rs10,000 for the same license.