GUWAHATI: The lack of adherence to clear guidelines for keeping and breeding pets in pet shops across Guwahati has raised serious concerns about animal welfare and ethical practices. With no standardised regulations in place, many pet shops are reportedly operating under poor conditions, leading to unethical breeding practices, overcrowding, and improper healthcare for animals.
Animal rights activists and concerned citizens have flagged numerous instances of neglect, where pets ranging from dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals are kept in cramped cages with inadequate food, water, and medical care. Unregulated breeding practices are also leading to health complications and genetic disorders in animals, as many shop owners prioritise profit over the well-being of the pets.
ALSO READ: Protesters Block Assam’s NH-37 Over Missing Woman As Search Operations Underway In Demow
In the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework, many pet shops continue to sell animals without proper documentation or licenses. This has also led to concerns about illegal wildlife trade, as some shops allegedly sell exotic birds and reptiles without necessary permits.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960) states the guidelines outline the responsibilities of pet shop owners to ensure the welfare, ethical treatment, and proper management of pet animals. The key provisions are:
1. Housing and Environment
- Pet animals must be kept in suitable conditions with appropriate temperature, lighting, ventilation, and cleanliness.
- No animals or birds should be displayed outside the shop or in show windows.
2. Food, Water, and Hygiene
- Animals must be provided age-appropriate food and clean drinking water at all times.
- Enclosures and aviaries must be cleaned daily to prevent waste accumulation and disease.
- Separate enclosures must be maintained to prevent bullying, fighting, and stress.
3. Health and Veterinary Care
- Only healthy animals certified by a veterinarian can be sold.
- Emergency veterinary care contact details must be displayed in the shop.
- Any outbreak of contagious diseases must be reported to authorities.
- Quarantine facilities must be available for sick or newly acquired animals.
4. Ethical Breeding and Sales Restrictions
- Pregnant animals or nursing mothers cannot be sold.
- Animals intended for food, skin, or accessories (except insects and certain species) cannot be sold.
- Un-weaned or underage animals and birds must not be sold.
- Mutilated animals cannot be sold unless a surgery was performed for medical reasons.
5. Staffing and Record-Keeping
- Only trained personnel can handle animals.
- Pet shops must maintain records of vaccinations, sales receipts, and unsold animal adoptions.
- Puppies must be microchipped before sale.
- Shops must have a written exercise plan for puppies over 16 weeks.
6. Customer Guidelines and Animal Welfare
- Pet shops must offer care instructions to buyers at the time of purchase.
- No pet should be sold to a minor (under 18 years old).
- Unwanted or unsold pets must not be abandoned; efforts should be made for adoption or re-homing.
7. Shop Operations and Licensing
- Shops must prominently display their license.
- Grooming services, if offered, must be separate from animal enclosures.
- Items for sale must not be stored in animal areas.
- Only registered breeders can supply animals to pet shops.
These regulations emphasize animal welfare, ethical trade practices, and public safety, ensuring responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals in pet shops. But such norms and guidelines are seldom followed or adhered to.
Talking to GPlus, a local animal activist Abhay said, “The lack of strict monitoring has allowed pet shops to function without accountability. Many of these establishments neither follow basic hygiene norms nor ensure veterinary care for the animals they sell.”
“We at times also file cases against such shops or breeders who do not follow the norms and the ethics, but they tend to get away,” he further added.
Residents have urged the authorities to implement strict regulations for pet shops, ensuring that animal welfare laws are enforced. Mandatory licensing, regular inspections, and guidelines for ethical breeding and pet care must be introduced to prevent cruelty and improve the living conditions of pets.
Meanwhile, local animal welfare organizations are advocating for increased awareness among pet owners, encouraging them to adopt animals from shelters instead of purchasing from unregulated pet shops.
