Licences must for pet shops

All pet shops in the city would have to obtain a licence from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Establishments without a licence would be sealed.

All pet shops in the city would have to obtain a licence from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Establishments without a licence would be sealed.

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The new policy has been formulated following a sudden increase in the number complaints of illegal sale of rare and extinct birds in the city. The civic agency has restricted sale of birds in the city with immediate effect.

“We didn’t have a policy in place but recently several animal activists raised this issue. We now have a policy under which action will be taken against pet shop owners if they fail to comply. Inspection of pet shops will be carried out on a regular basis,” said MCD Commissioner K.S. Mehra.

The licence will be given for a period of one year and will be renewed every April. The owners will have to give a licence fee of Rs 5,000 per annum to the MCD. The scheme will be implemented from March onwards.

All shops will have to follow certain guidelines regarding sanitation and health.

“Under the policy, sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and guinea pigs would be regulated by the MCD. We had received a number of complaints about pet shop owners selling birds that have become extinct and this policy has been formulated to keep a check on that. Shop owners will also have to provide a vetenarian in the shop,” said a senior MCD official.

The licence of repeat offender would also be terminated, the official said.