Govt mandates registration of pet shops, dog breeders

The Punjab Government has made the registration of pet shops and dog breeders —engaged in the sale, purchase and breeding of pet animals and birds — mandatory in the state.

Violators may face a fine up to Rs 50,000 or imprisonment of up to three months.

Dr SK Gupta, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Mohali, said the directive was in compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Pet Shop Rules, 2018. The regulations apply to the online sale of pets and birds also. The mandatory registration is to regulate pet breeding and sales and to ensure animal welfare by curbing unethical practices and mistreatment of animals in pet shops.

Animal Husbandry Department officials urged all pet shop owners and breeders to register themselves with the Punjab Animal Welfare Board without any delay. To facilitate the registration process, the government has constituted five-member inspection teams at the district and tehsil levels. These teams include a Veterinary Officer, along with representatives from the police, Forest and Wildlife Departments, Local Government and the SPCA.