Cattle poisoned? Up to 5 years.

Myth or fact?

What people often think.

• Myth: It is only an animal. The police will not take it.
• Fact: Killing or poisoning a cow, buffalo, ox, horse, camel or mule is a crime whatever its value: up to 5 years (PPC s.429).

The law.

Section 429, PPC.

“Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless, any elephant, camel, horse, mule, buffalo, bull, cow or ox, whatever may be the value thereof, or any other animal of the value of fifty rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years ...”

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 429, Mischief by killing or maiming cattle, etc.

Four acts.

Sections 428 and 429.

• KillingThe animal dies.
• PoisoningBait, feed or water.
• MaimingWounding it.
• Rendering uselessIt can no longer work or give milk.

Two sections.

Sections 428 and 429, PPC.

• s.428Any animal worth Rs.10 or more: up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
• s.429Cattle, horses, camels, mules, whatever the value, or any animal worth Rs.50 or more: up to 5 years.

Quick quiz. The goats.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

• A. Yes, goats are left out
• B. No, any animal worth Rs.50 counts
• C. Only for milk animals

Answer: B. Section 429.

Pakistan Penal Code.

• The ruleAny other animal of the value of Rs.50 or upwards.
• SoGoats and sheep are covered too.

How it runs.

Schedule II, CrPC.

• ArrestPolice may arrest without a warrant.
• BailBailable.
• SettlingNot compoundable.
• Courts.429: Court of Session or a Magistrate.

Charged alongside murder.

2018 YLRN 23, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court.

• The factsTwo riders shot dead, and the horse they rode killed.
• The charges.429 with s.302.
• The resultThe conviction was upheld.

Lost an animal?

Three steps, in this order.

• Keep proofPhotos, the vet's note, the bait or feed.
• Report itPolice can act without a warrant.
• Name witnessesWho saw him near the shed.

Not sure?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

• My neighbour poisoned our buffalo over a land dispute. What can I do?
• What is the punishment for killing cattle under section 429 PPC?

Example questions

Sources

• Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 429
  Mischief by killing or maiming cattle, etc. Pakistan Code