Pet shop rules await approval

Animal activists in the city often receive complaints against pet stores that keep puppies,kittens,birds in very small cages. “They are left without food and water and their constant crying distresses people who want to help but are helpless,” says Supriya Bose,director,operations,Noah’s ARC,and animal welfare officer of the committee to monitor animal welfare laws in the state.

Bose insists that the right way of tackling the issue is to educate both buyers and pet shop owners. “We are organising awareness sessions for both pet shop owners and buyers. Until the Pet Shop Rules gets its final nod from the government,we can only rely on spreading more awareness,” Bose adds.

Sanjeet Kumar,owner of Pets Paradise on JM road,feels a pet shop’s job is not to sell animals at all. “They should focus on products and services such as pet food,supplements and accessories. If someone wishes to buy a pet,they can recommend breeders. And the people interested in buying should read about the pet’s breed,temperament,and timing and cleanliness needs,” he says.