There could be a surge of pets dumped into the countryside in the coming months as a result of new regulations that make no provision for hobby breeders.
A group of about 40 breeders of different species, including birds, dogs and reptiles, yesterday met to discuss the new pet shop rules that come into force on April 2. They insist that the regulations do not make sense in the case of private breeders and could lead some to “go underground” or dump animals in the countryside.
The new legal notice, introducing changes to provisions of the Animal Welfare Act of 2002, is meant to regulate the sector for the benefit of the animals, laying down minimum specifications for cages and enclosures for traded animals, for instance.
If you know there is a snake running about, call us and we will take care of it for, otherwise, it would not survive
But breeders are worried because the rules make no distinction between commercial pet shops and hobby breeders who occasionally sell the offspring of their animals.
The new provisions would make life for them far too onerous, the hobby breeders said.
According to the law, “any premises or holdings where animals are on sale to the public, or premises or holdings where animals are kept with the intention of being offered for sale also through adverts or electronic systems” need to apply for a licence from the Director for Veterinary Services and meet a series of demands intended for commercial outfits under the law.
“This means that if, as a breeder, you are going to sell your excess offspring, or advertise online to trade it, you need to apply for a licence, obtain a level three qualification in a relevant course, which is not yet available for all animal species, have a vet certify mortalities if 10 per cent of your animals die and employ safety precautions,” Chris McGowan, one of the Malta Herpetological Society founders, told those attending the meeting.
Some of those present asked whether they would have to start operating like a commercial entity, keeping books and paying commercial rates for electricity.
Mr McGowan has, for the past year, been enquiring about the new regulations. Among other reasons, the group was set up to raise awareness about the responsible ownership of reptiles and amphibians, caging standards, escape-prevention protocols and control of alien species.
Breeders sometimes have an overstock and sell some of the new hatchlings or newborns. They were not likely to register as pet shops and so have to make the alterations demanded by the new law, so, come April, some would have to either sell the overstock through the black market or set them free, Mr McGowan said. That would introduce alien species to the environment, he warned.
Another option would be to give the animals to pet shops against payment when they were sold.
However, this meant prices would rise because both the breeder and the shop owner would expect a profit, he added.
“Whatever you do, do not set animals free. If you know there is a snake running about, call us and we will take care of it for, otherwise, it would not survive,” Mr McGowan said, noting that some large snakes, like boas and pythons, would develop infections and die if the temperature dropped.
“We are very much against the release of animals in the environment. If you cannot take care of it, contact us and we’ll take care of it. We don’t want alien species.”
He noted that breeders took great care of their animals because it was their passion. However, regulations governing hobby breeders should be distinct from pet shop rules.
Mr McGowan called on all breeders that formed part of different animal organisations to join forces and voice their concerns.www.facebook.com/groups/BreedersMalta/.