Panaji: If pet shops and dog breeders do not register with the Goa State Animal Welfare Board within 30 days, the state government will act against them as per rules.
Based on a statement of advocate general Devidas Pangam, the high court of Bombay at Goa disposed of a public interest litigation, seeking implementation of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the rules made thereunder.
The first grievance relates to the establishment of societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCAs) in North and South Goa districts.
Dhaval Zaveri, advocate for petitioner Kabir Gama-Roy, who is an animal activist pointed out that rule 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Establishment and Regulation of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Rules, 2001, amended the establishment of such societies by the state government.
The advocate general submitted that within three months, the SPCAs will be established for both the districts. “This statement is accepted, and according to us this substantially redresses the first grievance of the petitioner,” observed a division bench comprising justices M S Sonak and M S Jawalkar.
Zaveri said that there are many pet shops and dog breeders functioning without registration which is mandatory under such rules.
Pangam said that pet shops and dog breeders will have to complete their registration by paying fees of Rs 5,000 and the same will be valid for two years in case of breeders and five years for shops.
Hiranmay Karlekar