Punjab mandates registration of pet shops, dog breeders with State Animal Welfare Board

PTC Web Desk: In order to safeguard animal welfare and prevent cruelty towards animals, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian  has directed that all pet shops and dog breeders must register with the Punjab State Animal Welfare Board.

A notification pertaining to this requirement would be issued to ensure compliance with the directive, he added.

During a managing committee meeting of the State Animal Welfare Board at Punjab Bhawan, Gurmeet Singh Khudian instructed department officials to commence the registration process promptly for pet shops and dog breeders, as per the directives to ensure animal welfare in the state.

Punjab minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged the public to refrain from cruelty towards stray animals and directed department officials to organise seminars, lectures, and a social media campaign to raise awareness about the significance of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. The initiative aimed to sensitise people and foster a culture of compassion and empathy towards all living beings, ensuring their well-being and safety, he added.

Highlighting the concerted efforts towards stray animal welfare, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, Vikas Pratap informed the Cabinet minister that societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) had been established in all districts. These dedicated societies were actively engaged in various initiatives to ensure the well-being and welfare of animals, exemplifying the state's commitment to animal care and protection.

Apart from this, there are around 471 registered gaushalas in the state while 20 cattle ponds have also been constructed by the Punjab Government for rehabilitations of the stray animals.