Penalise pet shops that fail to properly screen buyers

I applaud the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) for introducing the mandatory licensing of dogs sold by pet farms, shops and importers ("Shops must get dogs licensed before sale"; Nov 8).

This will help curb impulse buying, prevent pet abandonment and protect the welfare of dogs being sold.

The AVA should also introduce a demerit system whereby pet businesses that do not conduct stringent screening of buyers will receive demerit points should the dog be abandoned.

Businesses which accumulate more than their allowed demerit points within a given period should have their licences suspended.

This system should be introduced before Christmas to prevent dogs from being sold as gifts.

Leona Lo Chee Yong (Ms)

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