With the Union government notifying regulations for pet shops recently, visits to several animal and bird shops in Delhi revealed cramped living spaces, foul smells and even dead animals.
These have been the reason for the requirement of new rules, the activists said.
On one hand, there are pet shops selling dogs in Lajpat Nagar and Sarita Vihar that provide suitable care and amenities.
But, many were found cramped, leading to restriction in the animals’ movement.
Problem of plenty
The bird shops in Hauz Khas paints a gloomy picture. The number of birds exceeds the capacity of the cages which are smeared with waste. A foul smell hungs around in the area. Also, many dead birds were found lying on the floor of the shops.
Trustee of People for Animals Ambika Shukla said: “Even the fancy ones treat their animals in a cruel manner. They are not provided with any veterinary care. The mothers of the puppies are overbred and left in slums. They are separated from their children at a very young age.”
New directions
On September 6, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s notification of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018, puts in place new directions to regulate pet shops to prevent abuse of animals.
The pet shops will have to ensure adequate ventilation, spaciousness, proper drainage to eliminate waste, availability of fresh food, clean drinking water, health determination certification of pets from veterinary practitioners etc.
Yearly inspection
The registered pet shops are open to yearly inspection by the concerned authorities.
While animal rights activists have hailed the move, calling it long overdue, they are against the commercialisation of animals.
CEO of PETA India Manilal Valliyate said: “Dogs, cats and other animals are sensitive. They are not ours to buy and sell like rice or cups of tea. Pet shops should be shut down altogether. Profit is the primary aim of pet shops and never animal welfare.”
Do not buy but adopt
These groups have accused the pet shop owners of conducting illegal trade.
“Anyone who cares about animals must never buy one from a breeder or pet store. They should adopt a needy homeless dog or cat from a shelter,” Mr. Valliyate added.