Strict action against unauthorised sale of pets: Karnataka Minister Prabhu Chavan

Karnataka Animal Husbandry Minister Prabhu Chauhan on Friday said that the state government will take strict action against pet sellers if they open their shops without registering with the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board.

"During the inspection, if the unauthorized sale of domestic and foreign birds and animals is found, disciplinary action will be taken against those concerned," he said.

He also said that various rules framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Dog Breed Market Rules, 2017 and Pet Shop Rules, 2018 are clearly applicable to shops selling birds and animals.

There were many complaints about the sale of small chicks, birds and dogs dying and rotting without food and water.

"In this background, all the animals that were raided and rescued in Bengaluru city have been kept in an animal rescue home with facilities recognized as per the law," the minister further said.

It also had come to the fore that most of the shops have many birds kept in one cage, birds and animals struggle for space and fresh air, lack of water or food supply, and lack of cleanliness.

Responding to the complaints that animals and birds are being sold illegally without taking any precautionary measures, the minister said, "I had earlier informed the officials of Animal Husbandry Department and Karnataka Animal Welfare Board, Animal Husbandry Department of BBMP on Wednesday.

He further said that officials had been instructed to check all the animal and bird-selling shops and pet shops in all the districts of the state in the coming days.

Chavan further suggested that pet shop owners who sell different species of animals and birds including pigeons, rabbits, ducks, dogs, and cats should get registered and licensed with the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board and follow the rules for buying pets.

Chavan requested that the public can immediately call the helpline number 82771 00200 if the shop owners who sell animals and birds are found to be not keeping them clean without proper care, nutrition, protection and treatment.

The public should check the license of pet sellers when they visit the shops. Chavan appealed to the public to observe the rules of the purchase of pets and buy only from registered breeders and pet shops.

( With inputs from ANI )