This seems the right place for the audience to mention this that’s why we would like to point out that monkeys are no doubt wonderful beings, the thought of having one around as a home pet might even cross the mind of some, right? In India, however, the question might be justified: is it possible at all to have a monkey as a pet? The answer in a nutshell is an outright no. You see, there are very specific laws regarding this that ban having a monkey as a pet right here in India, so that’s a big NO. Monkeys are regarded as wild animals, and there is a very strict legal framework for their welfare. So, let’s take a deeper dive into this topic, shall we?
What Does The Law Say About Monkey Adoption In India?
Wildlife in India is one of the most protected in the world by law, and that’s a fact that you should be proud of as an Indian citizen. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which enforces the law, forbids the taking, possession, or commerce of wild animals including monkeys, except under special circumstances specifically mandated by the government, just so we are clear from the very start. Monkeys being conserved and part of the law means that people can get in trouble for having a monkey in their possession without proper approval, leading to monetary fines or imprisonment.
That’s not it though, there is another law, like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 specifically applies here too. This act forbids using animals in a manner that can harm them, so to have a monkey as a pet would be an act of animal cruelty. Just so you know though, this law was introduced to protect cats, dogs, and other animals such as monkeys, and to make certain that they will continue to survive in an environment that is fit for their health.
Why Is It Illegal to Pet a Monkey in India?
The major reason for this law is that it is primarily based on conservation, you know? It is true that several species of monkeys are close to extinction, which is caused by the poaching of wild animals, the destruction of their natural habitats, and the illegal wildlife trade. By keeping monkeys in the home as pets, the problem of wild animals being taken from their habitat is that it leads to biodiversity loss. Since a number of laws are in place, this is done to maintain biodiversity and conservation of monkey species in the country.
But conversation isn’t the only reason why you can’t adopt a monkey here in India, nah, there are reasons like humans can be infected by monkey diseases, especially zoonotic infections, which are animal diseases that can directly jump from animals to humans such as diseases like tuberculosis and the herpes B virus. In this regard, the monkey adoption law protects people, that’s another way to look at it.
Finally, the third reason is the ethical problem. Monkeys are so social and are creatures with an array of emotions. Thinking that they will thrive in a social system and setting that is impossible to create outside of their natural habitat is to disregard their natural behavior, you know? The law does take into consideration that these animals should only have freedom in nature and not in a house with their owners.
