The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will implement extra licensing conditions for animal traders February 1 to ensure dogs sold at pet shops are obtained from approved sources.

Under the additional conditions, all dogs in pet shops must be legally imported, be from licensed dog breeders, other licensed pet shops or private pet owners. Shops must keep documents detailing the sources of dogs acquired and make them available for inspection by the department's staff or authorised agencies. Click here for details.

To allow the animal trade to familiarise itself with the new requirements and prepare for their implementation, the department issued letters on the subject today and held briefing sessions.

The department will boost liaison with private veterinarians to facilitate their understanding of the new arrangements, and enhance inspection of licensed pet shops to check compliance.