Draft rules to fix accountability on dog breeding, marketing released

New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Taking a cue from increasing number of cases of man-animal conflict including dogs as well as cruelty against canines, the Union Environment Ministry on Tuesday released a draft notification for prevention of cruelty to animals, with respect to dog breeding and marketing.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, addressing a press conference here, said that the population overshoot of anyone, either human beings or animals, would create problems.

"A lot of cases of man-animal conflict are being reported. We know violance is not a solution so we are not going to kill the dogs but we will fix the responsibility of the breeders and marketers of dogs," he added.

Dave said that under the new rules, accountability in breeding and marketing of dogs will be fixed for the first time. The ministry will place the draft rules in public domain for 60 days for suggestions from people.

Noting that there is no exact data on number of dogs, either strays or pets, in India, he however said that it is a huge market that needs regulation.

He added that under the new rules, every pet shop owner or the dog breeder will have to register themselves with the state animal welfare board.

"An inspector authorised by the state animal welfare board will check the establishment (shop) and every dog breeder will be required to submit an annual report to the state board regarding animals sold, traded, given away or exhibited during previous year," he said.