Illegal trading of pet animals continues to grow underground in Dehradun in the current pandemic even after the district magistrate ordered the reopening in the post-lockdown period only of those pet shops and breeding establishments registered with the State Animal Welfare Board (SAWB). The pets like dogs are mostly sold in these illegal trading with the help of various methods to connect with the buyers. While some can be found trading dogs on various social media platforms, many approach the clients through various shops advertising the availability of pedigree dogs by pasting small fliers in the shops and some approach the clients directly.

In recent times, the illegal selling of dogs in the district is mostly being done by those store owners who sell dog food and accessories. When this correspondent asked for a German Shepherd puppy at a shop of pet foods and accessories at Rajpur Road, one of the staff members said that they can make a German Shepherd puppy accessible for Rs 12,000 once the buyer assures that the puppy will be bought.

Similarly, several such stores make the dogs available to people and many do buy from these buyers without any questions.

Speaking about the issue of public ignorance, SAWB member Gauri Maulekhi said that it is crucial to buy a pet only from an authorised pet owner which can provide a receipt of the purchase to ensure that the animal was taken care of and did not face any cruelty during the breeding process.

Besides this, it also helps buyers to enquire later in case a pet faces any health issues or dies after making a purchase, added Maulekhi. She further said that the cyber police have been informed about the illegal selling of pets online but the public should also report the same if they see anyone selling the pets online in an unauthorised manner.

She also said that it is compulsory for every pet shop owner to display their license for public view as per the law and if anyone finds it unavailable at any pet shop, they can complain to authorities or email the complaint at Petshoptipline@gmail.com and immediate action will be taken against the culprit.

It will be recalled that a notification was issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on May 1, requesting all State Governments to ensure that pet shops and breeding establishments are allowed to reopen post lockdown only after registration with the State Animal Welfare Board (SAWB).

Various orders were subsequently issued by the Government of Uttarakhand for the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018. Earlier in May, the State's Animal Husbandry secretary issued an order to all district magistrates and the director general of police to ensure that only those pet shops and breeding centres which registered with SAWB are allowed to reopen after the lockdown. After that various district magistrates including Dehradun’s issued similar orders for enforcement in the district.