TheWild Animals Law,1963 (No.16 of 1963)

TheWild Animals Law,1963 (No.16 of 1963) Current Version

January 2022

This is a law consisting of 56 sections, divided into 6 Parts, and 3 Schedules. Sections 1 to 4 are preliminary provisions, Section 2 gives definitions, Sections 4 to 11 provide for the protection of animals: First Schedule specifies prohibited animals (sect. 4). These animals may only be hunted for “important scientific purposes” or “essential administrative reasons” after permission given by the minister (sect. 5). The animals specified in the Second and the Third Schedules are specially protected animals and protected animals respectively (sect. 6). Hunting and possession of specially protected animals or protected animals require a licence granted by the Minister or a native authority, with consent of the Minister (sect. 7). Section 9 prohibits hunting of female animals with young. Sections 12 to 32 make provision for the declaration of game reserves by the Governor (sect. 12), and related matters, and for acts prohibited in proposed game reserves (sect. 25 to 27). Sections 33 to 43 restrict hunting, including the killing of fish (sect. 33), and the use and possession of trophies. The remaining provisions of this law deal with enforcement, prosecution, and regulation making powers of the Minister.