# Cattle poisoned? Up to 5 years.

> Killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless a cow, buffalo, ox, bull, horse, camel or mule is mischief under section 429 PPC whatever the animal is worth: up to 5 years. Any other animal worth Rs.50 or more is covered too.

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/cattle-poisoned-up-to-5-years
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-29

## 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)

## Four acts.

Sections 428 and 429.

- **Killing** The animal dies.
- **Poisoning** Bait, feed or water.
- **Maiming** Wounding it.
- **Rendering useless** It can no longer work or give milk.

## Two sections.

Sections 428 and 429, PPC.

- **s.428** Any animal worth Rs.10 or more: up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
- **s.429** Cattle, 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 rule** Any other animal of the value of Rs.50 or upwards.
- **So** Goats and sheep are covered too.

## How it runs.

Schedule II, CrPC.

- **Arrest** Police may arrest without a warrant.
- **Bail** Bailable.
- **Settling** Not compoundable.
- **Court** s.429: Court of Session or a Magistrate.

## Charged alongside murder.

2018 YLRN 23, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court.

- **The facts** Two riders shot dead, and the horse they rode killed.
- **The charge** s.429 with s.302.
- **The result** The conviction was upheld.

## Lost an animal?

Three steps, in this order.

- **Keep proof** Photos, the vet's note, the bait or feed.
- **Report it** Police can act without a warrant.
- **Name witnesses** Who 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?**

## Sources

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

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Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review.

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