New rules for dog breeding and sale to check cruelty against animals

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has formulated rules to make dog breeders and their marketers accountable and to prevent infliction of any cruelty in this process.

The Anil Dave led ministry today put out in public domain a draft notification of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules), 2016, seeking public comments. Minister Dave said that the move was being made as there were no Rules in the country on the breeding, sale and purchase of dogs and the new rules could hopefully help make the sale and purchase of dogs online.

As per the draft Rules, it will be mandatory for all dog breeders and the dog breeding establishments to register themselves with the State Animal Welfare Board of the respective State Governments and submit yearly report to the State Board regarding animals sold, traded, bartered, brokered, given away, boarded or exhibited during previous year or any other information asked for by the State Board..

The Rules define the breeding requirements/conditions for sale of dogs, and also make it mandatory for dog breeders to maintain proper records of both male and female dogs, their breed, micro-chip number, number of litters, sale, purchase, death, rehabilitation etc.

Non-compliance of the proposed Rules will lead to cancellation of the registration of the dog breeder.