Environmental Law in Pakistan - IUCN

hunting restrictions are placed on each, and scattered throughoutthe text of the ordinance. It is not an offence to kill or capture a wildanimal by any means in self-defence, to protect the life of another,or to protect standing crops or livestock (Section 19). In addition,the federal government may grant exemptions generally (Section6), and allow the killing and capturing of wild animals for “public orscientific purposes” (Section 39). At the same time, officersauthorised by the federal government are empowered to issuelicenses permitting the use of hawks or dogs for coursing gameanimals (Section 7), and to issue dealers’ permits authorising tradein wild animals and trophies (Section 14).The 1979 ordinance also allows for the establishment of wildlifesanctuaries, game reserves and private game reserves.The federal government has the power to make rules and todelegate its powers. Authorised officers may arrest and prosecuteoffenders. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance constitutesa criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and/or a fine.5.1.4.2 Wild Birds andAnimals ProtectionAct 1912This act operates as a provincial law but today applies only to theprovince of Balochistan. It was repealed in its application to theNWFP, the Punjab and Sindh, as well as the Northern Areas, by theWest Pakistan Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1959, which in turnhas been repealed by subsequent provincial legislation.5.1.4.3 Prevention ofCruelty to AnimalsAct 1890This act, which operates as a provincial law and in any casedelegates all powers under it to provincial governments, applies to“domestic or captured” animals (Section 2(1)). The law does notdefine the term domestic animals but the subject matter dealsprimarily with livestock and draught animals. There is, however,nothing in the law to exclude pets, zoo animals or laboratoryanimals from its ambit, including “exotic” species which may bethreatened or endangered and are thus also covered by theprovisions of CITES. Similarly, Section 6C, which prohibits animalfights and baiting except under specified conditions, suggests thatthe protection clauses of this law cover other animals besideslivestock.5.1.4.4 Elephants’Preservation Act 1879Provincial governments have the power to make rules in a numberof areas, including the maximum permissible load carried or drawnby draught animals and their living conditions. The law prohibits theuse of a bit or harness involving cruelty. It is an offence to subjectan animal to unnecessary pain and suffering, to starve an animaland to abandon an animal under conditions that render it likely tosuffer from starvation or thirst. It is an offence to kill an animal in an“unnecessarily cruel” manner (Section 5).This act operates as a provincial law and has been repealed in thePunjab as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory. It governs thecapture or killing of elephants and the taking of ivory, and requires05NaturalResources37EnvironmentalLaw in PakistanFederal