Your parrot now needs an ID - Punjab enforces new registration policy

Owners to pay Rs1,000 for 'a ring bearing unique identification number' per parrot amid ban on open sale of wild birds

LAHORE:

The Punjab Wildlife Department has announced a new policy making registration of all parrots mandatory across the province in an effort to protect endangered species and curb illegal trade.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Lahore Region Adnan Warraich said owners will be required to pay a registration fee of Rs1,000 per bird. Once registered, each parrot will be tagged with a ring bearing a unique identification number.

The policy applies not only to commercial breeders and shopkeepers but also to individuals keeping parrots as pets at home.

In case of breeding, the offspring must also be registered separately.

Officials clarified that the open sale of wild birds and animals remains banned, including at Lahore's Tollinton Market, a long-time hub of the bird trade.

Only licensed breeders and registered dealers will be allowed to operate under the new rules.

Wildlife experts have long voiced concern over the shrinking populations of several native parrot species in Punjab.