Rulestokeeppetshopownersontightleash

Environment ministry makes microchips for puppies, spacious enclosures, maintenance of records must

MUMBAI : Installation of a microchip in every puppy, a chip reader in every pet sale shop and spacious and clean enclosures for birds, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice and rats are among the new clauses introduced in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018 released by the Union environment ministry on its website on Wednesday.

“The new rules only permit sale of micro-chipped puppies. The microchips (as small as 5mm), which will be installed near the tail, back or shoulder, should have a unique electronic identification number,” said a senior official of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC), adding the number can only be read by a reader.

“This can control inbreeding and illegal import of exotic dogs,” he said.

Pet shops have been accused of violating the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by selling prohibited animals. Animal welfare groups and wildlife experts said finalising the notification would only help once the rules that were published on September 6 are enforced.

HT in June reported on the findings of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) accounts for 70% of wildlife specimens and live animals traded

along the west coast of India over the past seven years, making it a hub for illicit wildlife trade.

The new rules require every pet shop or pet trader to get a certificate of registration from the Animal Welfare Board of India.

“No pet shop shall be granted a licence by the local authority,

unless it has obtained a certificate of registration from the state board,” the notification said.

The rules lay down standards for accommodation, infrastructure, general care, veterinary care and other operational requirements. “Non-compliance of any of the guidelines will lead

to inspection by the state animal welfare board. In case of violations, a notice will be issued. If the rules are not complied with in 15 days, the registration will be cancelled and the shop will be sealed,” said an MOEFCC official said.

“In 2016, we had published the draft rules for this notification.

The final rules have been formulated after considering suggestions and objections from various stakeholders,” he said.

Animals sold in pet shops are treated as commodities and are subjected to cruelty, according to animal welfare groups. “We are pleased that the Centre supported us,” said Gauri Maulekhi, director and trustee of an animal rights group, People For Animals.

NG Jayasimha, member, Maharashtra Animal Welfare Board and managing director, Humane Society International/ India that has not met in seven months, said, “These rules will help control illicit wildlife trade in MMR, especially in Crawford Market, Vasai and Virar.”

“Provisions will help bring in better practices in pet trade. Ensuring compliance of these rules and regulating temporary makeshift pet markets, which have mushroomed across the country, would be the next challenge,” said Saket Badola, head, TRAFFIC India.