Police engage pet vendors on market

Central West Region Police, Lilongwe City Council and Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA)have engaged pet vendors to have a designated market.

Speaking on Friday in Lilongwe, Central West Region community policing coordinator Patricia Njawiri asked the vendors to stop operating from undesignated markets and along the streets.

She said: “Selling pets in such places is against the country’s laws as well as Lilongwe City by-laws.

“It is illegal to subject animals to cruelty, in accordance with Section 66 of the Animal Protection Act of 1970.”

Njawiri asked the pet vendors to establish a structured market.

On his part, Lilongwe City Council commercial management officer Evance Chimwala told the vendors to form a cooperative before approaching the council for certification.

He said: “We have noted that the business is not classified and categorised.

“So, it is better for you to have a market strategy. Thereafter, come to us and we will map the way forward in allocating space for your businesses.”

Lilongwe Pet Sellers Association chairperson James Masuku said they are ready to relocate to a designated place.

“We welcome the move for a designated place to sell pets,” he said.

In his remarks, LSPCA communications officer Gracious Chimbalanga said they are committed to raising awareness to pet vendors that it is illegal and cruel to sell animals along the streets.

“Animals sold along the streets, especially puppies and kittens, suffer ill-treatment. They are exposed to extreme weather conditions and are dehydrated,” he said.