Pet Shops in Delhi to be Closed Unless Registered with Animal Board

Delhi: Unregistered pet shops, pet stores, and dog breeding centers in Delhi are subject to imminent closure. According to public notice, all pet shops and breeding centers in the National Capital Region must register with the Delhi Animal Welfare Board within a month or face closure. This move comes shortly after the Delhi High Court order, which emphasized accountability and compliance with the established laws. 

In its public notice dated November 6, the Delhi Animal Welfare Board has mandated that all pet shops and dog breeding centers in the National Capital Territory of Delhi register their establishments within one month. Failure to comply will result in the shutdown of non-registered establishments, as per rules outlined in the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Pet Shop Rules, 2018, both under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it said.

The board has since opened online registrations via the e-district portal. The registration process aims to ensure breeders and pet shops comply with the law and improve animal welfare, according to the Board. 

Speaking about the notice, Asher Jesudoss, Member of the Executive Committee of the Board, told PTI, "The Dog Breeding & Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Pet Shop Rules, 2018, make it mandatory for pet shops and dog breeding institutions across the country to be registered with the State Animal Welfare Board. It is illegal for any such institution to operate without this registration."

"Our team visited several pet shops and noted numerous violations in these establishments, including inadequate safety measures, poor hygiene, and inhumane living conditions for animals," Jesudoss said. After the Delhi High Court released the circular, the department has intensified its efforts through newspaper advertisements, he said.

He also spoke about the department’s plans to broadcast such information over FM Radio to reach out to as many owners of pet-based establishments as possible and encourage them to register with the Animal Welfare Board. "Any establishment that fails to register within one month of this notice will face closure and sealing as per the rules framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960," Jesudoss added.

Meanwhile, Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder of Wildlife SOS and executive member of Friendicoes, said it "is a welcome move for pet owners as it will help eradicate cruelty and the illegal trafficking of exotic pets, and ensure better welfare and care for animals housed in pet shops as well as with breeders".

"Mandatory registration of dog breeders will also help streamline health checks and promote ethical pet ownership. Unethical breeding in puppy mills often produces puppies with birth defects, genetic issues, and compromised health, leading to pain and suffering for the animals and burdening pet owners with costly veterinary care," he said.