An Analysis Of Criminal Laws Against Poaching Animals And Wildlife Trafficking

Ritika Jayakrishnan, Christ (Deemed to be University)

ABSTRACT

Poaching animals is a crime in India. This is elaborated in The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and even the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Several sections of the abovementioned Acts state that poaching animals and its illegal trafficking is a crime in India and those caught will be held liable under the respective Acts. Poaching is an ingredient to wildlife trafficking and it includes and concerns any harm towards animals by trapping, hunting or selling of wildlife that may be dead or alive. Exotic pets and luxury items, bush meat, traditional medicines, clothing and jewelry made from animal fur, tusks, fins, shells, skins, horns, and internal organs are just a few of the items that are sought for by the trade and poaching. It comprises a variety of goods, such as caged birds, deer antlers, snake skin, mongoose hair, rhino hair, tiger and leopard claws, bone, skin, and whiskers.1 There is no direct demand for a significant portion of this trade within the nation itself; it is intended for the global market. These Acts and the Indian Penal Code are not enough to cover the entirety of poaching as they do not specifically speak about the trafficking of animals. The crimes against animals have grown in number and this also calls for new legislations that could govern and help solve the various problems brought forward due to poaching and animal trafficking.

Keywords: Poaching, Wildlife, Crime, Trafficking, Punishment