Keeping a Hwamei bird as a pet is indeed illegal. This is a violation of the "Wildlife Protection Law of the People's Republic of China", which can result in a fine of up to 3,000 yuan. Additionally, the wildlife may be confiscated, and any breeding licenses may be revoked. Owning a Hwamei without proper permits is a serious offense.
If a Hwamei bird is classified as a wild animal, purchasing and keeping it as a pet is illegal. Under the "Wildlife Protection Law of the People's Republic of China", unauthorized domestication of protected wild animals is prohibited. Individuals or organizations that breed or domesticate state-protected animals without a proper license, or go beyond the scope of their license, can be subject to penalties. These penalties include confiscation of illegal earnings, a fine of up to 3,000 yuan, possible confiscation of the wildlife, and revocation of breeding licenses. The law is very clear on protecting wild animals, and owning a Hwamei without authorization goes against these regulations.
How to Obtain a Permit for Keeping Birds
1. For personal ownership, if the bird is not a protected species listed by the state, then a permit is not required. However, China has strict regulations that mandates obtaining permits for keeping protected animals. The law protects these animals, and obtaining the proper permits is mandatory.
2. With the continuous improvement of wildlife protection laws, the requirements for individuals and institutions keeping parrots have become increasingly stringent. Recent cases show that bird traders are frequently apprehended, and the parrots of individual pet owners are confiscated, sometimes incurring fines or even detention. Many parrot enthusiasts are caught in a dilemma, wanting to keep these adorable birds but also fearing being investigated. This results in many being unable to keep the birds they admire. The increased law enforcement related to parrot ownership reflects the importance of wildlife protection in China.
3. There is a growing trend of people keeping parrots. Owning common species like budgies, peach-faced lovebirds, and cockatiels for personal enjoyment is generally acceptable without needing a permit. However, for any parrot species outside these three common types, relevant permits are required. Additionally, even if you are keeping budgies, peach-faced lovebirds, or cockatiels, having too many may become a problem. Although these species do not need special permits, you could face investigation and potentially penalties if you're reported for engaging in trade or transportation of the birds. Therefore, it's important to comply with all the wildlife regulations and obtain the necessary permissions to stay within the bounds of the law. These strict measures ensure the protection of wild animals and regulate the pet trade, underlining the need for responsible pet ownership.