Punjab government rolls out wildlife hazard control rules 2025

Fines for serious violations increased from Rs500 to Rs10,000

The Punjab government has taken two major steps to protect wildlife and safeguard human populations from potential dangers posed by wild animals. The measures include the implementation of the “Punjab Wildlife Hazard Control Rules 2025” and comprehensive amendments to existing wildlife protection laws, aiming to modernise environmental and biodiversity management in the province.

According to an official statement, the new rules are designed to enable scientific, systematic, and immediate action in cases of conflict or danger between humans and wild animals. If a wild animal poses a threat to humans or other living beings, or is incapable of surviving due to disease or injury, the Chief Wildlife Ranger may order action based on field reports, scientific evidence, and public complaints. In emergencies, the Punjab Rangers can, after consulting relevant experts, decide to capture, relocate, or remove the animal.

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The rules specify that all actions must be taken in consultation with the Punjab Captive Wildlife Management Committee and veterinary experts to ensure they follow humane principles and scientific standards. A comprehensive strategy has also been developed to prevent future risks. Under this framework, certain species may be classified as harmful or pests, special hunting permits may be issued for limited periods in some areas, and sensitive locations may be designated as “Wildlife Hazard Zones” where feeding or keeping animals is prohibited.

In addition, the Punjab government has amended the province’s wildlife protection laws, significantly increasing financial penalties for wildlife-related offences. The hunting or possession of rare and predatory birds, including falcons, has been completely prohibited.

Under the amended Wildlife Act, the compensation for the illegal hunting or capture of certain bird species listed in the First Schedule has been set at Rs10,000 per animal. For species such as falcons, hawks, laggers, and owls, the compensation amount is now Rs100,000. Similarly, the illegal hunting or capture of mammals included in the Second and Third Schedules will incur a departmental compensation of Rs100,000, while for species such as jackals, boars, and wild pigs, the fine will be Rs25,000.

The penalties for weapons and equipment used in illegal hunting have also been revised. The fine for a shotgun is Rs25,000, for a foreign-made shotgun Rs50,000, for a local rifle Rs50,000, for a foreign-made rifle Rs100,000, and for a PCP airgun Rs50,000. The use of a jeep or vehicle in illegal hunting will result in a fine of Rs500,000, while the fine for a motorcycle is Rs100,000, for a bicycle Rs25,000, for a boat Rs25,000, and for using tape recorders or other electronic devices Rs25,000.

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Under the new amendments, honorary game warden positions have been abolished, while members of community-based conservancies will now have legal authority to assist in preventing illegal hunting and trade. A digital platform will be introduced for auctioning permits for hunting, breeding, and buying or selling wildlife. Live rabbits are now banned in dog racing competitions, with only mechanical bait permitted.

The law also provides for the establishment of special Wildlife Protection Centres across the province, staffed with personnel equipped with modern weapons and tools. These officers will have the authority to conduct searches and make arrests without warrants, ensuring effective enforcement of wildlife protection laws.