Has the Kerala Cabinet Approved a Bill to Cull Violent Wild Animals?
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Synopsis
In a bold response to escalating human-wildlife conflicts, the Kerala Cabinet has sanctioned a Bill permitting the culling of dangerous wild animals. This decision, deemed politically significant with upcoming elections, aims to safeguard communities affected by frequent animal attacks and crop destruction.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala Cabinet has approved a Bill to cull aggressive wild animals.
- This decision aims to address the increasing man-animal conflicts.
- Over 55,000 wild animal attack incidents have been recorded from 2016 to 2023.
- The Bill will be presented in the upcoming Assembly session.
- Political implications are significant due to upcoming elections.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 13 ( IANS) In a significant move to tackle the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflicts, the Kerala Cabinet convened a special meeting on Saturday and approved a Bill that will enable the culling of aggressive wild animals that venture into populated areas.
This amendment will modify the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Since the law is under the jurisdiction of the Central government, the State will require the President's approval prior to its execution.
With this endorsement, the Vijayan administration plans to introduce this Bill at the new Assembly session commencing Monday.
The decision comes in response to escalating protests in the high-range areas regarding repeated assaults by elephants, wild boars, and other creatures.
Officials acknowledged that while procedural challenges remain, this move holds political significance with elections on the horizon.
The Cabinet has also approved a proposal to designate violent wild animals as “vermin,” thereby legally facilitating their culling.
Another sanctioned Bill permits private landowners to fell sandalwood trees on their property, pending authorization from the Forest Department.
All three Bills will be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session.
Statistics reveal the magnitude of the issue. From 2016 to 2023, Kerala documented 55,839 wild animal attack incidents.
Between 2016 and early 2024, 909 individuals lost their lives due to such encounters.
Elephant-related attacks alone resulted in 180 fatalities over the past eight years.
The government's action is perceived as a commitment to reassure residents in areas heavily impacted by man-animal conflicts.
These wild animals not only pose threats to humans but also inflict significant damage to agricultural lands.
With local body elections scheduled for later this year and Assembly elections anticipated in April–May 2026, the timing of this initiative carries considerable political implications.
The Catholic Church has expressed support for this initiative by the Vijayan government, stating that if enacted, it would be beneficial for humanity.
Point of View
The Kerala government's decision to approve a Bill for culling violent wild animals reflects a growing need to balance human safety with wildlife conservation. As incidents of man-animal conflicts rise, it is vital to consider both the protection of communities and the ethical implications of such measures. This situation calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues causing these conflicts.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the approved Bill?
The Bill aims to permit the culling of violent wild animals that pose threats to human safety and agricultural lands.
Which animals are classified as violent?
The Bill classifies certain wild animals, including elephants and wild boars, as violent due to their aggressive behavior towards humans.
How many incidents of wild animal attacks have been recorded in Kerala?
Kerala has documented 55,839 cases of wild animal attacks from 2016 to 2023.
What other legislation was approved alongside the culling Bill?
Another Bill was approved that allows private individuals to cut down sandalwood trees on their land with permission from the Forest Department.
What are the political implications of this Bill?
The timing of the Bill's approval is significant due to upcoming local and Assembly elections, which may influence public perception and support.
