DM orders closure of unregistered pet shops in Dehradun, forms committee to survey meat shops

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal has ordered the immediate closure of all unregistered pet shops operating illegally in the city considering two rottweilers recently mauled a woman in Dehradun. He also formed a committee to conduct a detailed survey of all meat shops within the municipal limits in the city and directed it to submit its report within 15 days.

He told officials that there will be no system of compounding or issuing challans, instead, strict action including seizure and sealing will be taken against violators. He issued these directions during a district level meeting of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held on Friday. A committee led by the sub divisional magistrate, including members from the chief veterinary officer’s office, Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) and Food Safety department, will carry out a comprehensive survey of unregistered dairies and unauthorised meat shops. The DM said that the objective is to identify and act against businesses operating without licenses.

Bansal also instructed that all dog breeders and pet shops must be registered without exception. He directed the officials including municipal executive officers and chief veterinary officer to ensure compliance and take strict action against illegally run establishments.  The DM also approved two dedicated vehicles on the spot and instructed that manpower for their operation be arranged from the Prantiya Raksha Dal (PRD) to facilitate transportation and treatment of injured or sick animals. He asked the officials concerned to coordinate to ensure timely arrangements for the care, vaccination and treatment of stray and accident-hit animals.

The DM reviewed the implementation status of previous decisions and ongoing activities aimed at reducing cases of animal cruelty. He emphasised that the issue is not limited to animal abuse but also concerns human sensitivity. Bansal also directed that two additional cow shelters should be ready by next month in rural areas. Steps will also be taken to control the number of stray dogs in urban areas through sterilisation drives.

The district administration plans to place stray animals in cow shelters, pounds and government-supported shelters, Bansal said. He also called for awareness programmes in educational institutions and public platforms to address animal cruelty issues. The meeting was attended by Dehradun municipal commissioner Namami Bansal, SDM Apoorva, chief veterinary officer SC Joshi and other officials and animal welfare activists.