Well, the thing is, keeping most species of tortoise in India is actually illegal, and you can face some legal consequences for that if you are found with one. Though, there is a lot to talk about this particular topic, so, let’s get into the details, shall we?
What Laws Are There Regarding This In India?
Okay, so let’s cut to the chase: if you want a tortoise as a pet, you have to be aware that there’s this law called the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 right here in India. Specifically, this act is the backbone of wildlife conservation in India which means that it protects all kinds of endangered flora & fauna including that species of tortoise called the Indian Star Tortoise that’s among them. And no, you can’t just keep one as a pet in your house, that’s just against the law.
But we are not done yet. Another thing to also consider is that with the rest of the world, the Indian government is participating in an international convention called CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). As per this, there are strict guidelines regarding many species in India that you can’t just keep as pets.
Which Tortoises Are People Keeping, and What’s the Deal with Them?
You see, in India, there is confusion regarding two famous tortoise species in India, so, let’s talk about just that. The first type is the famous Indian Star Tortoise. It’s a favorite with animal lovers because of its unique shell designs and attractive looks. However, the downside is that it is illegal to keep them as pets, so right away we can see that there is a problem here. If someone tries to tell you that it is legal to have such a pet, just walk away because that’s not the advice you should be following or you could get into some serious legal trouble.
The other one is the Red-Eared Slider. It is a tortoise that is not even from India, yet we see them being sold everywhere in pet stores. Thus, it is worth mentioning that the Red-Eared Slider is an alien species that could ruin local ecosystems if they escape into nature. Sure, you can keep this particular species of tortoise as a pet, but they are not very friendly, to be honest. Just keep that in mind.
Want To Know The Consequences of Keeping Tortoises Illegally?
Over the years, a number of people in India have been arrested for the illegal possession of tortoises, did you know that already? Well, one such case was that of a 22-year-old man from Kolhapur, who was caught with a tortoise he planned to sell for money. He got Karnataka, most likely believing it would not be that serious or big of a deal to sell it. But the police didn’t share the same opinion, and so he was arrested and charged under the Wildlife Protection Act with the crime. This case right here is a prime example of what could happen if you are found with a tortoise, possibly trying to sell it or maybe you are just keeping it as a pet in your house. So, if you have decided to go down this path, just make sure that there are legal consequences, and don’t be surprised when you are caught and there are legal actions taken against you. That’s all.
