Chennai AWB Orders Breeder, Pet Shop & Kennel Registration

Chennai: In light of the recent incident involving a pit bull in Jafferkhanpet, the Animal Welfare Board (AWB) has directed all breeders, pet shops, and kennels in Chennai to register themselves before September 30. This move aims to regulate the pet trade, improve animal welfare, and ensure accountability among those who run such businesses. 

The AWB has now made registration compulsory for anyone who breeds animals for sale, operates a pet shop, or runs a boarding kennel. This directive has been issued to bring more transparency into the system and to prevent illegal or unregulated activities that often put animals at risk. Officials acknowledge that many times, the animals are kept in poor conditions or sold without proper records. With registration, the authorities will be able to monitor such activities and enforce welfare standards.

Officials explained that registration will help in creating a proper database of breeders and pet-related businesses in the city. This will make it easier to carry out inspections and ensure that animals are kept in safe and hygienic environments. Businesses that do not comply with the directive may face strict action, including penalties or even closure of operations.

The AWB has also reminded breeders and shop owners about the rules laid down under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. These rules require proper space, clean enclosures, medical care, and vaccination for all animals. By making registration compulsory, the board hopes to ensure that such standards are followed more strictly.

Animal welfare activists have welcomed the decision, saying it is a long-needed step to control unethical breeding and poor conditions in many pet shops. They believe this move will not only improve the lives of animals but also help pet buyers, who often face issues when purchasing pets from unregistered sources. At the same time, some breeders and shop owners have expressed concerns about the registration process and possible costs involved.

Civic authorities have assured that the process will be kept simple and fair. They have also appealed to pet owners and the public to support the initiative by reporting any unregistered breeders or shops after the deadline.

With this order, the AWB hopes to set up a clear and structured system that protects animal rights, improves business practices, and builds greater trust between pet sellers and buyers. The September 30 deadline has been set as a firm date to bring everyone under the legal framework and make Chennai a model for better animal welfare management.