SAS Nagar, April 8: The Punjab Government has made the registration of pet shops and dog breeders—engaged in the sale, purchase, and breeding of pet animals and birds—mandatory. This was stated by Dr. S.K. Gupta, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, SAS Nagar, here today.
Providing further details, Dr. Gupta said the directive is in compliance with The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017, and The Pet Shop Rules, 2018. These regulations also apply to the online sale of pets and birds. The objective of mandatory registration is to regulate pet breeding and sales, and to ensure animal welfare by curbing unethical practices and mistreatment of animals in pet shops.
Dr. Gupta urged all pet shop owners and breeders in district SAS Nagar to register themselves with the Punjab Animal Welfare Board without delay. To facilitate the registration process, the Government has constituted five-member inspection teams at the district and tehsil levels. 
These teams include a Veterinary Officer along with representatives from the Police, Forest and Wildlife Departments, Local Government, and the SPCA. For any queries or assistance, pet shop owners and breeders may contact their nearest Government Civil Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Gupta also cautioned that violators may face a fine of up to Rs 50,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months. He appealed to the public to verify the registration status of pet shops and breeders before purchasing any pet.