Animal welfare initiative: Jharkhand mandates registration for pet shops and breeders; Non-compliance may lead to closure of unregistered centres

Ranchi: In a major crackdown on unregistered businesses, the Jharkhand Animal Welfare Board has directed all pet shops and dog breeding centres across the state to register themselves within 15 days.

District-level notifications in this regard were issued on Wednesday, signalling a state-wide push for animal safety and public health.Dr Anita Kumari, veterinarian of the welfare board, said that circulars have been dispatched to all district animal husbandry officers. “Establishments operating without registration, as well as those that have failed to renew their existing licences, must comply immediately,” she said.

Owners are required to submit their applications at their local animal husbandry office. “Failure to do so within the 15-day window will lead to strict action,” Kumari said.Only six breeding centres are officially registered in the state, while 15 more applications are being verified. “There are stringent criteria that a centre must fulfil. Those who fail to meet these standards will have to shut down,” Kumari added.

Ranchi district animal husbandry officer, Kavindra Nath Singh, said that specialised teams will conduct follow-up inspections once the deadline expires. “Registration is vital to prevent animal cruelty and the spread of zoonotic diseases. While many infections stay within the animal population, some like rabies and leptospirosis can spread to humans,” Singh said. He emphasised that a regulated market ensures sellers follow guidelines, ultimately protecting the interests of customers.Veterinary experts hailed the move as a necessary step against unethical breeding practices. Dr Suranjan Sarkar pointed out that unregistered hubs are often breeding grounds for viruses like parvo and distemper.“Registrations will curb the unethical sale of puppies before they are 35 days old or before they receive primary vaccinations,” Sarkar said. He said that while some breeders are responsible, others keep mothers and pups in cramped, tiny cages.The mandate aims to ensure that only kennels maintaining a safe and hygienic environment are allowed to function.