Ludhiana, April 6 -- In a major step to regulate the pet trade and ensure animal welfare, the Punjab government has made it mandatory for shopkeepers and dog breeders involved in the buying and selling of dogs, cats, and birds to register with the department of animal husbandry.

The move aims to curb unethical breeding practices and the mistreatment of animals in commercial establishments.

Dr Amrik Singh, deputy director of the animal husbandry department in Ludhiana, announced the new guidelines on Saturday, stating that all individuals engaged in pet trade must register with the Punjab State Animal Welfare Board as per directives from the directorate of animal husbandry.

To ease the registration process, the department has directed f...