New Delhi: The Central Government's environment ministry has issued new rulesPrevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) rules, 2018, to regulate India’s pet trade seen as widely abused.
The rules will require every puppy to be micro-chipped by a veterinary practitioner before sale, and each pet shop is required to have a functional micro-chip reader within the premises.
“It is a requirement of these rules that only micro-chipped puppies shall be sold. The microchips (as small as 5mm) should have unique electronic identification number and will be planted near the tail, back or shoulder,” said a senior ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) official . “This can control inbreeding and illegal import of exotic dogs.”
The common accusation raised against pet shops that they violate the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by selling prohibited animals.
“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.