The Centre on Friday released draft rules and invited suggestions from all stakeholders to regulate the operation of pet shops under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Anil Madhav Dave, the minister of state (independent charge) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, told reporters that pet shops are currently unregulated and had to be brought under the ambit of the law. Citizens have 30 days to submit their suggestions.

The proposed legislation is aimed at preventing cruelty against animals being sold at pet stores, Dave said. Members of the public can send their suggestions to the deputy secretary of the ministry’s Animal Welfare Division, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan.

According to the proposed rules, pet store owners will have to register with the State Animal Welfare Board, which will allot them a licence only after the authorities concerned conduct an inspection. The regulations also specify the infrastructural requirements to lodge and trade animals and birds and make it compulsory for pet store owners to maintain documents related to the sale, purchase and death of animals in their establishments. Store owners will also have to submit an annual report on its transactions and any other information demanded by the welfare board.

Violation of these rules, according to the government notification, could lead to loss of registration as well as relocation of the animals concerned to a “welfare organisation or a rescue centre recognised by the board”.