SAS Nagar, April 8, 2025 — In a push to improve animal welfare and curb unethical pet trade practices, the Punjab Government has made registration with the Punjab Animal Welfare Board mandatory for all pet shops and dog breeders involved in the sale, purchase, and breeding of pets and birds.
Dr. S.K. Gupta, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry in SAS Nagar, said the order aligns with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and the Pet Shop Rules, 2018. The rules also apply to online pet sales, aiming to ensure humane treatment and better living standards for animals.
To implement the directive, five-member inspection teams have been formed at both district and tehsil levels. These include officials from the Veterinary Department, Police, Forest and Wildlife Department, Local Government, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Dr. Gupta urged all pet shop owners and breeders in SAS Nagar to register immediately and advised the public to confirm the registration status of sellers before purchasing pets. Violators may face fines up to ₹50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months.
For help, residents can contact their nearest Government Civil Veterinary Hospital. The initiative aims to bring greater transparency and regulation to the pet trade while protecting the rights of animals.
