No laws to police backyard breeders

Poor doggy: Most pedigree dogs that end up at shelters are likely from questionable breeders and most will present with some health issue. — Wani Muthiah/The Star

KLANG: There are currently no specific laws in Malaysia to regulate backyard animal breeders that supply animals for the pet trade, says Dr Saravanakumar S. Pillai, a former Veterinary Services Department (DVS) senior deputy director.

Dr Saravanakumar, who is currently the Humane Society International’s (HSI) senior adviser, said some pet shops offered puppies bred by professional breeders, along with others that came from “questionable sources”.