Active KAWB Implementation of PCA needed across vets, associations, KCI, pet owners & govt depts

6 Feb 2025

Dr Manjunath Palegar

Director- AHVS & Member Secretary KAWB

Pashupalana Bhavan, Hebbal

Bangalore

Email; dirahvs@gmail.com

Dear Dr. Palegar:

Sub: Active KAWB Implementation of PCA across vets, associations, KCI, pet owners & govt depts

As discussed with you,  it is imperative (and the duty) for the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board (KAWB) to ensure the PCA rules, (including DBM and Pet Shop rules) as well as the ABC rules 2023  are actively implemented across the state to be truly effective. This mail is specifically to focus on the PCA rules, which are not being fully followed by either the citizens, breeders, veterinarians or government agencies . The KAWB needs to address the lack of information, seriousness, and penalty regarding these laws. We suggest sending information and education messages, and issuing strong letters to all stakeholders. We would be happy to assist with the appropriate drafts.

The most important reasons for this are:  lack of information, genuine or contrived stakeholder ignorance,  a perception that it’s a new and toothless law, and unfortunately the  lack of visible penalty &  enforcement . KAWB needs to address all these issues head on, and ensure that its duty of preventing animal cruelty and promoting compassion is achieved. We suggest that a copy of this also be marked to the Honorary Legal Counsel for KAWB so that the right legal inputs & direction can be suggested for implementation and escalation as needed.  To this end, we suggest sending information & education messages, and also in parallel issuing strong letters out to all concerned stakeholders. We would be happy to assist you with the appropriate drafts, which you can then edit to suit your perspective and tone.

We would like to start with the veterinarians who have taken an oath to uphold the veterinary ethics, protect animals and fulfil the laws of the country. Please see our poignant letter to vets written on World Vet Day last year. However, we have not seen any information, guidelines  or updates from KAWB or sharing of AWBI Veterinary Handbook 2023  to either the Karnataka Veterinary Council KVC, the Pet Practitioners Association Karnataka PPAK, the Hebbal & other veterinary colleges across Karnataka. We presume they know, but it does not translate into action. This this is a very huge gap that needs to be addressed as vets are perhaps the most powerful influences and mentors for all of the stakeholders when it comes to addressing animal health issues or advice. Most veterinarians are extremely conscious and highly committed and ethical in their profession, but the few who repeatedly break PCA laws  and encourage illegal, buying or breeding, sadly bring down their noble profession, This is  most unfortunate since we all revere our beloved veterinarians, who heal & care  our voiceless pets & community animals.  We suggest a strong letter be sent out to each entity like KVC , PPAK, Vet Colleges, specifically reiterating the laws and the duty of the vets to fulfil all these laws, the need to re-educate them on such laws for which online zoom or awareness classes can be held by KAWB in association with the group. KAWB should issue a biannual ethics certificate covering current laws & updates which they should sign off on and display. KAWB  should also outline appropriate vet terminology, the right legal advice to give a client, especially about issues of buying from registered breeders, illegal pet shops. mating their home pet dogs or allowing/enabling cosmetic and illegal  mutilation (tail docking and Ear crop)of breed  dogs. We are also aware of many vets who actually sell pups and dogs from their clinics or place or business.  Specifically, the associations must write into their member vets to confirm that they are aware of these laws , will follow it both in  spirit and letter, will ensure that the staff are completely aware of this, remind them of their sacred veterinary oath in upholding cruelty laws, and remind them of the penalties of disobeying these laws, namely, being disbarred  as a vet, as well as the resultant fines and punishment . It is recommended that KAWB/KVC  provide 6 simple posters to be put up in all veterinary establishments highlighting the above issues so that pet owners can be reminded of not only the obligation of the vet to follow the cruelty laws, but also their own role in breaking the same laws. Please correct the public perception that KAWB does not educate or penalise their own fraternity.

A similar letter also has to go out to the Kennel Club of India Karnataka, and its various branches to remind them of the above, and to also ensure that this specifically informed their members about the cruelty laws and the penalties for breaking them. The DBM Rule sstate: 35) The various Kennel Clubs in India shall not register any pup / male / female dog which has not been registered with the AWBI. 36) Registering animals from a non-registered breeder with AWBI is an offence for which legal action may be taken They also must also be reminded to immediately remove illegal and  cruel breed specifications as cropping of ears  and docking of tail when it comes to dog shows.  They must also be reminded that whether their members have Kennel  club of India registration or not,  all breeders must compulsorily  be registered under the KAWB , or they are considered illegal breeders. Many breeders use a KCI registration or license to convince their often unsuspecting buyers to believe that  this is the official breeder license needed and they are registered breeders. The letter must clearly underline their duty as a registered legal non-profit association to follow the PCA laws, as well as the penalties that would ensue if these are not followed. KAWB must state that proactive response from KCI  to their members in a public forum is required to fulfil their obligation as a registered and legal dog promotion and breeding entity. All dog shows must compulsorily be informed to KAWB and local SPCA and be under the rules to ensure no sales and mating. Breeders showing dogs with cropped ears and tails should have their license suspended.

The third stakeholder is the citizens /animal lovers and prospective pet buyers. As we are aware, many pet lovers may not be fully conversant  with the dog breeding and marketing rules, which specifically state that it is considered an act of cruelty to animals. If a(1) dog is bought on impulse, (2) a pup is purchased under two months of age, and (3) if a pup is bought from a (SAWB) unregistered breeder. While we do understand that they may not know, it has been 7 years since the DBM 2017 Laws ,  and ignorance of the law is no longer acceptable. In parallel apart from promoting adoption,  KAWB must spread awareness of the law and its implementation. While encouraging adoption, KAWB must even have a list of registered breeders available . Pet owners ignorance and illegal purchase of helpless breeding stock  causes a huge increase in illegal purchases, cruel treatment to tiny un-weaned pups bought at a very young age from illegal breeders and results in a huge population of dumped and very ill dogs for the next few years. This is counterproductive to the concern of Animal Welfare, and therefore hiding behind the lack of knowledge or ignorance is no longer acceptable or can be shrugged off. To this end,  however harsh, KAWB  must make an example by not only shutting illegal breeders but publicly penalising pet owners who have purchased  underage pups from a illegal breeders, so it sends out a strong message to other prospective pet owners.  To summarise it is not only KAWBs duty to educate and make an example, but pet parents  responsibility to be informed.

Therefore it falls on the KAWB to ensure adequate knowledge of the law and their own culpability is informed to the potential buyer, and their own role (however passive) in breaking the law should be highlighted. As it is said, when the buying stops, the breeding will too. While many people who have a preference for certain breeds, should be encouraged to first visit a shelter with so many pedigrees are available, they’re also allowed to purchase a puppy provided the decision is well researched by the family and the addition of a family member for the next 13 years has been budgeted for , that puppy must be over 60 days of age, and the breeder must show their breeders license from the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board (a sample Breeders License should be publicly shared so they are aware this is genuine) . While information and empowerment is important to the pet purchaser stakeholder, we must also move to penalties if people continue to buy two month old, poorly bred pedigree dogs from unregistered backyard breeders and create more . 

As far as the bureaucracy is concerned various government departments like forestry,  BBMP police, etc. also have to be informed of the same via a clear letter or order so their own role, especially as civil servants in breaking the law is highlighted .While the issue of rampant illegal purchase of dogs, illegal breeding, unregistered pet shops and the tremendous impact on Animal Welfare, rising cost of rescue shelters, feeding and care of abandoned dogs and heartbreak to counteract this lack of enforcement remains on the table. It is the KAWB‘s singular role to take a  decided and strong stance in proactively  addressing the issue – ie informing enabling the right action and also enforcing penalties when this is not done. 

We look forward to your response on these very categoric points along with an action plan roll out  and timeline, the staff assigned (perhaps with some citizens adding to the task force  support). Once this is rolled out, I am sure that our beloved KAWB  will take a pre-eminent position in setting a sterling example and being one of the most compassionate and yet strict and responsible SAWBs ie state animal  welfare boards in this country. We are marking a copy to a few concerned individuals and we look forward to an early action and discussion on this so we can finally move forward  on this over neglected issue this together.

Sincerely

Priya Chetty-Rajagopal 

Pictorial Representation

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Draft Article:

KAWB Must Go Beyond Rule‑Making: Putting Karnataka’s Pet Control Laws into Practice

The Karnataka Animal Welfare Board (KAWB) sits at the nexus of policy and compassion, charged with enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act—including its Dog Breeding and Marketing  Rules 2017(DBM) and Pet Shop Rules 2023—and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023. Yet, despite clear legislation, implementation remains uneven. The result- illegal breeding and buying , increased cruelty and a huge impact on not only teh state exchequer but also rescuers and shelter finances. Citizens, veterinarians, breeders, kennel clubs and even government agencies often overlook or misunderstand these regulations, rendering them toothless. Here’s why active outreach, education and enforcement are urgently needed—and how KAWB must  lead the way.

1. Closing the Information Gap among Veterinarians

Veterinarians swear an oath to uphold animal health and welfare, yet too few receive up‑to‑date guidance on the PCA, DBM and ABC rules. Although they are expected to know, many vets feign ignorance. This gap creates untold cruelty, as dogs tails are docked, backyard breeders tacitly encouraged and young pups sold without any checks . Although the Animal Welfare Board of India’s Veterinary Handbook 2023 is available, it has not been systematically shared with:

-  Karnataka Veterinary Council (KVC)-  Pet Practitioners Association of Karnataka (PPAK)-  Hebbal and other state veterinary colleges

Why it matters:Veterinarians are trusted advisors to pet owners and breeders. If they aren’t fully informed, loopholes—such as illegal tail docking, ear cropping or unlicensed sale of puppies—go unchallenged. A handful of unethical clinics that sell unregistered pups undermine the entire profession’s credibility, while the majority of conscientious practitioners lack the institutional support to enforce best practices.

Recommendations:1.  Issue a formal circular to KVC, PPAK and veterinary colleges, reiterating statutory obligations under PCA, DBM and ABC rules.. Penalise and/or blacklist vets who refuse to follow the law. As of now , no vets have been corrected, penalised or had their vet license revoked.  2.  Organize biannual online workshops (e.g., via Zoom) in partnership with local veterinary associations to refresh legal updates and ethical standards.3.  Develop and distribute six clear, poster‑style reminders for clinic waiting areas, outlining client guidance on sourcing from registered breeders, the penalties for cruelty and the sanctity of the veterinary oath.4.  Institute a mandatory “Animal Welfare Ethics Certificate” that licensed veterinarians sign off on every two years, publicly displayed at their clinics.

2. Strengthening Accountability within the Kennel Club of India

The Kennel Club of India (KCI) and its Karnataka branches wield significant influence over breeders and dog‑show participants. Yet:

• Many breeders use KCI credentials to imply legality, even when they lack the mandatory KAWB breeder’s license. KCI does nothing to address this , choosing to operate within the grey radar.

• Dog shows continue to feature cropped ears and docked tails, in contravention of DBM Rules 2017 (Rules 35–36). 

  No effort made by KCI to encourage breeder members to register under the KAWB or ro remind them that breeding is illegal without the KAWB breeders license. 

Why it matters:Without clear checks, buyers remain vulnerable to unscrupulous breeders, perpetuating demand for under‑age puppies and inhumane practices.

Recommendations:1.  Send a stern reminder to all KCI branches that no pup may be registered unless bred by an AWBI‑registered breeder—a direct mandate of DBM Rules 2017.2.  Require public statements from KCI leadership, on KAWB’s platform, acknowledging cruelty‑free show standards and the legal consequences for non‑compliance.3.  Mandate that every dog show be notified to KAWB and the local SPCA at least 30 days in advance, with written confirmation that no sales or matings will occur on site.4.  Enforce license suspension for breeders presenting cropped or docked dogs at events.

3. Empowering and Educating Pet Buyers

Seven years after DBM 2017 came into force, impulse purchases of under‑60‑day‑old puppies from unregistered breeders still fuel cruelty and abandonment. Many prospective owners simply don’t know the law:

• It is illegal to buy a puppy under two months of age.

• Purchasing from an unregistered breeder is an offence under PCA and DBM rules.

Why it matters:Under‑weaned puppies often suffer health issues, and many are later relinquished to shelters—overburdening rescue resources and perpetuating a cycle of neglect. By going to illegal breeders the industry remains active,

Recommendations:1.  Launch a state‑wide awareness campaign—via social media, local news and pet expos—highlighting buyer responsibilities and the “60‑day rule.”2.  Publish an official directory of KAWB‑registered breeders, accompanied by a downloadable sample breeder’s license to help buyers verify authenticity.3.  Collaborate with shelters to promote adoption of surrendered or rescued pedigree dogs as a humane alternative.4.  Institute spot‑checks and public penalties for purchasers who flout age‑and‑registration rules, sending a clear message that ignorance is no defence.

4. Mobilizing Government Departments for Enforcement

Animal‑welfare enforcement cannot rest solely on KAWB’s shoulders. Key civil‐service stakeholders—BBMP police, forestry officials and municipal authorities—also play critical roles.

Why it matters:Without cross‑departmental coordination, illegal pet shops continue to operate, and backyard breeders evade scrutiny.

Recommendations:1.  Dispatch official directives to BBMP police and forestry departments, clarifying their responsibilities under PCA, DBM and ABC rules.2.  Incorporate animal‑welfare compliance checks into routine municipal and forest‐division inspections.3.  Establish a joint task force—including citizen volunteers—to coordinate raids on unlicensed breeders and pet shops.4.  Publish quarterly enforcement statistics—raids conducted, fines levied and licenses revoked—to maintain public accountability.

5. A Roadmap for Action

To transform letter‑on‑paper rules into real‑world compassion, KAWB must:

• Draft and dispatch strong, legally vetted letters to each stakeholder group by May 15 2025.

• Convene a stakeholder workshop—including KVC, PPAK, KCI, municipal authorities and citizen representatives—by May 30 2025.

• Launch public awareness initiatives by World Animal Day 2025 (4 October).

• Publish a six‑month progress report by 31 October 2025, detailing outreach metrics, enforcement actions and stakeholder feedback.

By taking these decisive steps, the Karnataka Animal Welfare Board can set a national benchmark—demonstrating that laws without enforcement do little to prevent cruelty, but laws coupled with education and accountability restore dignity to every animal under our care.