Punjab Government Makes Parrot Registration Mandatory to Curb Illegal Trade and Protect Wildlife

In a significant move aimed at protecting native bird species and tightening regulation over the pet trade, the Punjab Wildlife Department has made registration of parrots mandatory across the province.

The new policy applies to all parrot owners, including private individuals, bird breeders, pet shop owners, and commercial dealers. Starting immediately, anyone keeping parrots must register each bird with the Wildlife Department, pay a registration fee of Rs 1,000 per parrot, and ensure the bird is tagged with an official identification ring.

Officials say this step is essential to regulate the growing trade in exotic and native bird species — particularly parrots, which are often caught illegally from the wild and sold in urban pet markets.

Breeding Now Also Regulated

In addition to registering existing parrots, breeders will now be required to report and register any offspring produced by their birds. This means that every newly born chick must also be documented and ringed before being sold, gifted, or transferred to another owner.

The Wildlife Department has clarified that unregistered breeding or trading will be treated as a violation of the Punjab Wildlife Act. Legal action, including fines and confiscation of birds, may be taken against violators.

A Move to Protect Native Species

Parrot species like the Rose-ringed Parakeet and Alexandrine Parakeet are native to Pakistan and are increasingly threatened by illegal trapping, habitat loss, and unregulated trade. These birds are often captured from forests and rural areas and end up in cages across cities without any documentation.

The department emphasized that the sale and possession of wild-caught parrots remain strictly prohibited. Only those bred in captivity by licensed individuals will be allowed for trade, and only after proper registration.

Strict Oversight for Pet Shops and Traders

Wildlife officials will now conduct inspections of pet shops, bird markets, and breeding farms to ensure compliance. Any shop found selling unregistered parrots could face suspension, fines, or permanent closure.

According to sources within the department, this registration process is not intended to penalize responsible bird keepers but to introduce accountability and traceability into the bird trade.

Public Awareness and Cooperation Encouraged

Officials are urging the public to cooperate with the new rules and report any illegal bird trapping or unlicensed trade. A helpline and online portal are expected to be launched soon to simplify the registration process and allow bird owners to comply without unnecessary delays.

Wildlife experts and environmentalists have welcomed the decision, saying it’s a long-overdue step toward combating wildlife trafficking and ensuring better protection of biodiversity in Punjab.

Key Points of the Policy:

• Mandatory registration of all parrots in Punjab

• Rs 1,000 fee per parrot for registration

• Identification ring to be placed on each bird

• Breeding regulated; chicks must also be registered

• Sale of wild-caught birds remains banned

• Only licensed dealers/breeders allowed to trade

The Punjab Wildlife Department says this is just the beginning of broader reforms planned to strengthen wildlife conservation and regulate the pet trade more effectively.

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