Govt notifies new rules to regulate pet shops

New Delhi, September 12 

The Centre has notified rules to regulate pet shops under which such establishments will have to get a certificate of registration from the State Animal Welfare Board.

Lauding the new rules which set standards for animal housing and care in shops engaged in the sale or purchase of pets in India, animal rights body said if thoroughly implemented, tens of thousands of animals would be saved from abuse.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, notified by the Environment Ministry, every pet shop registered under it will have to submit an annual report to the state board with information on the number of “animals sold, traded, bartered, brokered, given away, boarded, exhibited, died or euthanised.” 

The new rules state: “No person shall carry on or continue the business of sale or trade in pet animals, whether retail or wholesale; or establish or operate a pet shop, or any other establishment engaged in sale, purchase or exchange of pet animals by whatever name called, without obtaining a certificate of registration.” — PTI