In a significant move aimed at enhancing animal welfare and ensuring better regulation of pet trade practices in the state, the Punjab Government has made it mandatory for all pet shops and dog breeders operating within the state to register themselves with the Punjab Animal Welfare Board (PAWB). This directive is part of a broader initiative to bring greater transparency, accountability, and humane standards into the business of pet trading and animal breeding.
The new regulation, announced recently, is in line with the guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and reflects a growing recognition of the need to regulate the burgeoning pet industry. Over the past decade, the number of pet shops and private breeders in the state has grown significantly, responding to increasing demand for companion animals among the urban and semi-urban population. However, this rapid growth has also raised concerns about unethical breeding practices, poor living conditions for animals, lack of proper health care, and the absence of any centralized oversight.
Under the new system, all entities involved in the commercial sale or breeding of pets will have to submit detailed applications to the PAWB. This will include information about the facilities they maintain, the breeds of animals they sell or breed, veterinary support arrangements, and compliance with prescribed housing and care standards. The Board, in turn, will conduct thorough inspections and verifications before granting registration. The policy also outlines stringent penalties for those who fail to comply, including fines, closure of facilities, and even legal action in cases of cruelty or repeated violations.
Officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, which oversees the implementation of the new guidelines, emphasized that the move is not intended to create bureaucratic hurdles for genuine pet lovers or breeders. Rather, the goal is to weed out unscrupulous players who exploit animals for profit without concern for their health or welfare. The Department will soon launch a state-wide awareness campaign to educate shop owners, breeders, and the public about the registration process and the ethical treatment of animals.
Dr. Anil Singla, a senior veterinary officer associated with the Animal Welfare Board, noted that the implementation of the registration system will also aid in monitoring the health and genetic integrity of breeding stock, thereby minimizing the prevalence of hereditary diseases that result from indiscriminate or inbreeding. He added that the database created from the registration process will serve as an essential tool for public health, veterinary care planning, and managing zoonotic disease risks, particularly in the wake of increasing concerns about animal-human disease transmission.
The response from the animal rights community has been overwhelmingly positive. Activists and organizations have long campaigned for stricter oversight of pet shops and breeders, many of which operate under unregulated conditions. The absence of any registration requirement until now had made it difficult for authorities to intervene in cases of neglect or abuse. The new guidelines not only bring a long-standing demand to fruition but also align the state with national and international standards on animal welfare.
Simranjeet Kaur, an animal activist based in Ludhiana, praised the move, stating that it was a “much-needed reform.” She recounted numerous instances where animals, particularly puppies and exotic birds, were kept in appalling conditions in small pet shops, often without adequate food, clean water, or medical care. She expressed hope that the mandatory registration would be followed by regular inspections and strict enforcement to prevent such cruelty.
Pet shop owners, while initially concerned about the additional documentation, have begun to acknowledge the long-term benefits of operating within a regulated framework. Harpreet Singh, a shop owner in Amritsar who has been in the business for over 15 years, said that while change is always accompanied by some hesitation, he believed the registration would enhance customer trust and elevate the status of responsible businesses. He also appreciated the provision for training sessions that would be offered to registered breeders and shopkeepers on better animal handling practices, vaccination protocols, and grooming techniques.
One of the notable aspects of the registration initiative is the emphasis on animal well-being, not just during their time in shops or breeding kennels, but also after they are sold. Pet shops will now be required to maintain detailed records of buyers, including contact details, to enable follow-up checks and promote responsible pet ownership. Furthermore, it is expected that animal shelters and adoption agencies will be integrated into the system to provide alternatives to commercial purchase, encouraging more people to adopt rather than shop for pets.
The government has also indicated that it plans to bring more such reforms in the future. A spokesperson from the Department of Animal Welfare hinted at the introduction of a state-wide animal cruelty monitoring helpline and a mobile inspection unit that can respond to complaints about illegal breeding operations or poor conditions in real time. This, they said, would close the existing loopholes that allowed unregistered breeders to continue operating out of sight.
In terms of legal framework, the initiative draws strength from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and its subsequent amendments. It is designed not only to regulate commerce in animals but also to uphold the spirit of compassion and ethical responsibility enshrined in Indian law. The PAWB has been empowered to issue notices, conduct surprise inspections, and suspend or cancel registrations if rules are flouted.
Public cooperation, officials believe, will be crucial in ensuring the success of the policy. Citizens have been urged to report unregistered breeders or pet shops, and to check for registration certificates when purchasing pets. Additionally, awareness programs will be rolled out in schools and colleges to inculcate empathy toward animals from a young age and to encourage more informed decisions about pet ownership.
In a state like Punjab, where animals are deeply woven into the cultural and agrarian fabric, the decision to regulate pet businesses through registration is both timely and necessary. It reflects a broader shift towards more humane and science-based approaches in governance, and a willingness to address previously overlooked issues that have far-reaching implications for society.
As Punjab steps into this new chapter of animal welfare, it sends a clear message: commercial gain cannot come at the cost of compassion. The mandatory registration of pet shops and dog breeders with the Punjab Animal Welfare Board is not just a policy decision, but a moral commitment to protecting the voiceless and ensuring they are treated with dignity and care.