Mangaluru: All pet shops operating in Dakshina Kannada district must be mandatorily registered with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Deputy Commissioner Dr. H.V. Darshan directed on Tuesday.

He was speaking at a meeting of the District Animal Welfare Society held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

DC Darshan warned that pet shop owners who continue to operate without obtaining SPCA registration within the prescribed time frame will face legal action.

He stressed that protecting animals is an important responsibility and directed officials to take strict action against those involved in cruelty towards animals.

During the meeting, discussions were held on setting up an Animal Friend Hospital at Bondanthila in Mangaluru taluk to provide treatment for stray animals. Plans were also reviewed for establishing crematorium facilities for animals killed in road accidents and other causes.

Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, said awareness programmes are being held for the public and school students to encourage compassion and humane treatment of animals.

He added that the Animal Welfare Board is working with state and district-level departments to promote awareness of the Animal Welfare Act.

The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K, ACP Geetha Kulkarni, Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Naik, committee member Suma R. Nayak, and other officials.