PET cafes on Penang island will be required to have separate rooms for their guests to dine and handle the animals.
Outside pets will not be allowed in the cafes under the new ruling to be enforced by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) from Jan I.
Council Licensing and Public Health Standing Committee alternate chairman Ong Ah Teong said the guidelines were to ensure safety, hygiene and to prevent the spread of disease.
“The pets must get vaccinations from the Veterinary Services Department.
“The pet cafes must also obtain a licence from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan).
“When owners apply to the council, we will first circulate their applications to these agencies and relevant technical departments for their approval.
“After getting their approval, we will issue the licences,” Ong told a press conference after a full council meeting at the City Hall in George Town yesterday.
Ong said there were currently 10 pet cafes on the island, adding that they were required to operate only in commercial areas.
Ong said the cafes were required to pay a deposit of RM2,000 to MBPP.
“Pet cafes which do not comply with the guidelines will not have their deposit refunded,” he added.
Mayor Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif urged existing pet cafes to submit the necessary documents in accordance with the new guidelines.
Veterinary Services Departmentdirector-general Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam announced last month that pet hotels and pet cafes must now obtain licences under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 or face action.
The penalty for operating without a licence is a fine of up to RM75,000, two years’ jail or both under the Act which came into force in July.
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