L.S. 439.16 Regolamenti dwar Standards Minimi li Joffru Protezzjoni lil Annimali fil-Pet Shops

(1)The title of these Regulations is the Protection of Animals offered in Pet Shops (Minimum Standards) Regulations. Title and scope. Amended by: L.N. 208 of 2025.

(2)These regulations lay down the minimum standards for the protection of animals offered in pet shops in Malta.

(3)Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/ 2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/ EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) shall apply to these regulations, in particular Articles 9 and 36 of the said Regulation. 2. For the purpose of these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: "the Act" means the Animal Welfare Act; "animal" m eans a pet animal or an exotic animal, unless otherwise stated; "Bird Directive" means Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds; "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora" means the international agreement of the World Conservation Union; "Convention on Migratory Species" means the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention; CMS), a United Nations Environment Programme treaty; "Director" means the Director for Animal Welfare as defined in the Act and includes, to the extent of the authority given, any officer *see regulation 1

(3)of these Regulations, as originally promulgated. Interpretation. Amended by: L.N. 208 of

1. Cap.
2. 2 [ S.L.439.16 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) authorised by him in writing, to act in that behalf for any of the purposes of the Act; "enclosure" means any confined space within which animals are kept; "exotic animal" means any animal not indigenous in Malta, including those animals bred in captivity in Malta; "Habitat Directive" means the Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; "pet animal" means any animal kept or intended to be kept in a household, for private enjoyment and companionship of the classes as shown in Schedules B to H; "pet shop" means any premises or holdings where animals are on sale to the public, or premises or holdings where animals are kept with the intention of being offered for sale also through adverts and, or electronic systems; "Regulation (EU) 2017/625" means Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/ 2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/ EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/ 438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation); "trader" means any person, physical or legal, offering animals for sale or intending to trade animals. Licensing of pet shops. Amended by: L.N. 208 of
3. 3.

(1)No trader may stock, keep, sell or offer for sale any animal without a licence to this effect. Prior to the granting of a first licence an inspection may be carried out by the Director.

(2)A trader shall apply to the Director for a licence to trade pet animals at least two months before the activity takes place.

(3)Licence applications shall be submitted using the appropriate form and shall be endorsed by the nominated veterinary surgeon responsible for the pet shop by means of a written statement that shall be signed and rubber stamped and submitted together with the form. The form shall include: (

1. a)the applicant’s details; (
2. b)the pet shop details; (
3. c)the details of the staff responsible for the day-to-day care of the animals; (
4. d)the details of the veterinary surgeon responsible for the PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) [ S.L.439.16 3 pet shop; (
5. e)the animals’ details; (
6. f)the premises’ details: Provided that the Director may request the applicant at any time to provide any other relevant information or additional documents which are deemed necessary.

(4)In the case that exotic animals are to be traded, a trader shall apply to the Director for an additional specific licence through the appropriate form. Prior to the granting of the first licence an inspection may be carried out by the Director.

(5)(

1. a)The Director or animal welfare officers may conduct an inspection to determine if the conditions of these regulations are being complied with. (
2. b)If these conditions are satisfied, the Director shall issue a licence for the activity: Provided that if such conditions are not satisfied, the Director shall stipulate corrective measures as necessary.

(6)The licence or a copy of the licence shall be displayed in a prominent position on the premises.

(7)Licences are renewed annually following an inspection by the Director.

(8)Any alterations to the structure of the pet shop shall be declared and discussed with the Director before these alterations take place. The Director shall then determine whether these alterations are acceptable or not within 4 weeks. If accepted, the pet shop shall be provided with modifications to its existing licence.

(9)The species of animals authorised to be kept and traded in the pet shop shall be specified in the licence.

(10)Licences for the trading of animals are not transferable.

(11)Any licence holder who does not comply with the conditions of the licence applied for, shall have his licence revoked and the provisions of regulation 16 shall be applicable.

(12)The Director may suspend, prohibit the commencement or continuation of the use of the pet shop and thereby revoke the licence, refuse to renew or grant a new licence at his discretion, if one or more of the requirements established in this regulation are not satisfied. 4.

(1)Any person managing a pet shop shall have relevant q u a l i f i ca t i o n s o f l e v e l 3 i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e t h e M a l t a Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Regulations, acceptable to the Director.

(2)Licences shall only be issued to persons of good conduct and persons who have never been convicted of cruelty to animals under the Act or any other crime involving public order where the minimum term of imprisonment exceeds six months.

(3)The Director shall not accept any licence application from Licensing of personnel. Amended by: L.N. 208 of 2025. S.L. 327.431 4 [ S.L.439.16 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) any person under the age of eighteen and no such licence may be issued or given to such person.

(4)The licence holder shall ensure that all staff in the pet shop have sufficient knowledge and experience of the species of animals in the pet shop to ensure the animals’ health and welfare.

(5)The Director may suspend, prohibit the commencement or continuation of the use of the pet shop and thereby revoke the licence, refuse to renew or grant a new licence at his discretion, if one or more of the requirements established in this regulation are not satisfied. Records. 5.

(1)Records of purchases shall be maintained to determine the source of all animals. All purchases must be entered and the entry shall include: (

1. a)the name, address, telephone number and identification number of the person or organisation supplying the animal; (
2. b)details of the type and numbers of animals; (
3. c)the date of delivery to the pet shop of the animals; (
4. d)particular markings and means of identification, when applicable.

(2)Records of sales shall be maintained for every sale of cats, dogs, ferrets, equidae, poultry and all other animals. The purpose of the sale records is to enable the purchaser to be contacted in the event of an emergency. Sale records shall include: (

1. a)the name, address telephone number and identification number of the purchaser; (
2. b)the animal purchased and its identification mark, when applicable; (
3. c)the date of sale.

(3)Pet animals offered for sale are to have a permanent means of identification as stipulated in other relevant laws or regulations. A list of animals and the acceptable means of identification may be published by the Director from time to time.

(4)Birth, disease and mortality records shall be maintained for all animals within the pet shop. Spawning and, or hatching of eggs of fish or amphibians, may be recorded as a single event.

(5)A veterinarian shall certify all the mortalities exceeding 10% of the stocked animals.

(6)These records shall be kept for at least three years and made available during inspection or on demand by the Director.

(7)Pest control programmes and related records are to be kept for three years showing substances used and dates of application.

(8)If a transfer of the licence of the pet shop takes place, the records of the animals referred to in sub-regulations

(1)to

(5)shall be transferred to the Director.

(9)In case of closure of a pet shop, the records of the pet shop PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) [ S.L.439.16 5 shall be transferred to the Director.

(10)The responsibility of any animals remaining in the pet shop being transferred or closed remains with the most recent owner. 5A. The Director may from time to time issue guidelines on the details required to be listed for the advertising of the sale of animals by means of distance communication. Advertising the sale of animals. Added by: L.N. 208 of 2025. 6.

(1)(

1. a)No person shall sell or offer to sell an animal in open markets (monti) or on the street. Sale conditions. Amended by: L.N. 208 of 2025. (
2. b)by way of derogation from paragraph (a), the birds referred to hereunder may be sold in open markets or on the street, as long as the birds are kept in the shade at all times, in cages of the same dimensions as listed in Schedule C and as long as the ambient temperature does not exceed thirty degrees Celsius (30°C). (
3. i)All song birds that are captive bred only and carrying a closed ring (chaffinch, greenfinch, gold finch, serin finch, siskin, linnet, hawfinch originating from any continent); (
4. ii)Hybrids of the above; (iii) Budgies; (
5. iv)Canaries; (
6. v)Cockatiels; (
7. vi)Lovebirds (Agapornis spp) (non-threatened only); (vii) Ducklings of domesticated non-protected duck species but not the adult forms; (viii) Gooselings of domesticated non-protected geese but not the adult forms; (
8. ix)Chicks of domesticated chickens (Gallus gallus) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) but not the adult forms; (
9. x)Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata); (
10. xi)Bengal finches; (xii) (xiii) (xiv) (
11. xv)Goudian finches (Erythrura gouldiae); Java sparrows (Padda oryzivora); Bobwhite quails; Chinese and Japanese quails (Coturnix chinesis and C. japonica); (xvi) Common quails (Coturnix couturnix); (xvii) Diamond doves (Geopela cuneata); (xviii) Barbets; (xix) Cuttroath finches (Amadina fusciata).

(2)No trader shall sell or offer to sell an animal to any person under the age of sixteen without having the written consent of such person’s parents or guardians.

(3)All animals shall be allowed a suitable acclimatisation 6 [ S.L.439.16 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) period before being placed for sale with the exception of poultry. Such acclimatisation must be of at least two days for other animals and twelve hours for fish. During that period animals must be kept isolated to prevent any possible spread of disease.

(4)Animals with significant physiological and psychological problems, which would materially affect their quality of life, shall not be offered for sale. Such animals should receive immediate treatment or be humanely euthanised by a warranted veterinarian.

(5)Animals that are not weaned shall not be sold: (

1. a)puppies and kittens may not be sold at less than eight weeks old, and rabbits at less than four weeks old; (
2. b)other than the species mentioned in paragraph (a), non-mammal offspring and mammalian offspring, incapable of feeding themselves, shall not be sold with the exemption of chicks of Psittacines that shall be traded for hand reared parrot pets. Accommodation and equipment. 7. (
3. a)Animals shall at all times be kept in accommodation suitable to the species with respect to construction, size, temperature, lighting, ventilation, humidity and cleanliness. All accommodation shall be kept in good repair. (
4. b)Fine wire mesh, glass or a plastic safety barrier shall be incorporated into the cage-system and the construction of exotic animal housing shall take into account the aggressiveness of the animal and the possible risk for human safety and health.

(2)No animal shall be placed on display outside the pet shop.

(3)Animal enclosures shall be constructed in a way as to prevent the escape of animals. Suitable equipment for the capture o f e sc a p e d a n i m a l s sh a l l b e p r e s e n t i n t h e p e t s h o p w h e r e applicable.

(4)A sink with a constant supply of hot water shall be provided in addition to any wash hand basin.

(5)Animal enclosures shall be designed in such a way that they may not harm, injure or poison an animal. Stocking density. 8.

(1)An animal must be housed and cared for according to its physiological and behavioural needs; in particular, space shall b e p ro vid ed fo r th e spec ific n eeds of t he anim al regardi ng movements and exercise in accordance with Schedules B to I.

(2)No other animal, other than those specified in the licence, may be stocked or offered for sale without prior written approval from the Director.

(3)Whenever possible all animals shall be housed in single animal units, except for litters, which may share an animal enclosure of adequate size. If single housing presents a threat to the health or welfare of an individual animal, the Director may approve group housing on the advice of a veterinarian. PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) [ S.L.439.16 9.

(1)All reasonable precautions shall be taken to prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases. No animal which is suffering from, or could reasonably be suspected of having come into contact with any other animal suffering from, any infectious or contagious disease, or which is infested with parasites, shall be brought into or kept in the pet shop unless effectively isolated. Health.

(2)Animal enclosures shall be cleaned regularly to maintain good hygienic standards. All animal enclosures, corridors, adjacent area and equipment must be thoroughly and regularly disinfected with a relevant method and frequency. Animal enclosures shall allow easy inspection of animals and where animals are housed in cages, the cages shall be placed in a way that the floor of the top cage is easily visible.

(3)Ill or injured animals shall receive appropriate care and treatment without delay and a veterinary surgeon shall be consulted as necessary.

(4)Facilities for isolating ill or injured animals shall be made available.

(5)A first aid kit for use on animals shall be kept and stocked in the pet shop at all times. Advice from a veterinarian is to be sought for the contents of this kit where applicable.

(6)Pet shops shall have a named warranted veterinarian in accordance with regul atio n 3

(3)as their p rimary source of veterinary advice and treatment and keep a list of available veterinary surgeons on the premises.

(7)Excreta and soiled bedding shall be collected and stored in impervious containers with close-fitting lids away from direct sunlight, insofar as any other means of disposal is not available.

(8)Excreta and soiled bedding shall be removed from the premises at least twice a week. Such material has to be disposed of in a manner in compliance with relative legislation.

(9)All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent pests in the pet shop. Substances used for the prevention of pests shall not harm or injure animals kept within the pet shop.

(10)Products and substances offered for sale, such as feeding e q u i p m e n t , a c ce s s o r i e s o r o t h e r p r o d u c t s a n d m a t e r i a l s o r substances presenting a threat to the health and welfare of any animal shall be kept in a safe manner and in any case stored away from animals.

(11)Food and water vessels shall be provided and disinfected after each meal. Any discarded food residue shall be laid aside and disposed of where applicable. 10.

(1)Pet shops shall provide facilities for the preparation of food and storage of food separated from the animal units. All food, except live food, intended for feeding the animals in the pet shop, shall be stored in impervious, closed and labelled containers. These containers shall be kept in a clean and sound condition and refrigerated when necessary. Food and water. 7 8 [ S.L.439.16 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS)

(2)Animals shall receive adequate amounts of food and water appropriate to the species and individual needs. Clean water shall be available at all times and changed daily where applicable.

(3)Food shall not be kept for excessive periods in enclosures in order to prevent odours and infestation by vermin unless it is in a dry form or in a dispenser where it cannot be contaminated. Inspections. 11.

(1)Animals shall be inspected at regular intervals and at least twice a day.

(2)A fit and proper person shall always be available to supervise the animals and to deal with emergencies whenever animals are present on the premises: Provided that when constant twenty-four hour supervision cannot be guaranteed, alternative procedures shall be put in place to the satisfaction of the Director. Transportation.

1. The trader shall ensure that animals are transported to and from the pet shop in a suitable manner according to health, welfare and species characteristics. Exotic animals.
2. Animal species protected by international law or conventions, such as the Bird Directive, the Habitat Directive, the Convention on migratory species or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora shall not be sold in pet shops, unless special approval from the relevant authority is obtained. Pet care advice. 14.

(1)Pet shops shall offer detailed and accurate pet care leaflets or other similar written instructions to customers, free of charge.

(2)Purchasers shall be given proper advice on the care of animals and, when necessary, on the maintenance and use of accessories free of charge. Emergency precautions. 15.

(1)Suitable emergency precautions and written procedures shall be prepared and be made known to all staff, including arrangements for the evacuation of animals.

(2)Entrances and exits shall be left clear of obstructions at all times.

(3)Suitable fire fighting equipment shall be made available, maintained and regularly serviced by a competent person and sited as directed by specific regulations on this matter.

(4)Emergency numbers for civil protection agencies and veterinarians are to be displayed in a prominent place in a pet shop.

(5)Pet shops shall comply with any other national emergency regulation. PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) [ S.L.439.16 16.

(1)Any person who contravenes or acts in violation of these regulations shall on conviction, be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to the punishments established in article 45 of the Act.

(2)Where the Director has reasonable cause to believe that an offence against these regulations has been committed and that it would be appropriate to impose an administrative penalty in accordance with article 47 of the Act, the Director shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of the said article. 9 Offences, punishments, administrative penalties and enforcement. Added by: L.N. 208 of 2025.

(3)Part XIII A of the Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the provisions of these regulations. 17. Decisions taken in accordance with regulations 3

(12)and 4

(5)shall be subject to a right of appeal before the Administrative Review Tribunal established by article 5

(1)of the Administrative Justice Act, within twenty

(20)days from the service of the decision, wherein the person aggrieved by the said decision shall specify the reasons on the basis of which the said decision of the Director should be cancelled or modified: Provided that the decision shall become immediately applicable and enforceable and shall remain applicable throughout the term of appeal until final judgement by the Administrative Review Tribunal, unless such decision is reversed by the said Tribunal and, or the Court of Appeal or cancelled or modified by the Director. Right of appeal. Added by: L.N. 208 of 2025. Cap. 490. 10 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) [ S.L.439.16 Schedule A (Regualtion 3) Deleted by Legal Notice 208 of 2025. Schedule B (Regulation 8) Stocking Density - Small Mammals Species Rabbits Dwarf Rabbits Guinea pigs Gerbils Hamsters Rats Mice Chinchillas Ferrets Squirrels Chipmunks Kittens 8 - 12 weeks Puppies 8 - 12 weeks Minimum floor area (cm 2) Single 2000 1000 700 300 300 500 200 2800 3600 3600 3160 2000 10000 Each additional 500 300 175 75 75 125 50 2100 2100 2100 2100 500 2500 Minimum cage height (

1. cm)50 30 20 20 20 20 20 50 90 90 90 50 50 Schedule C (Regulation 8) Stocking Density - Caged Birds Species African grey Amazon Budgerigar Cockatiel Cockatoo Lovebird Length / cm 30 - 35 Up to 35 35 - 40 Over 40 20 25 - 30 Up to 35 35 - 40 Over 45 13 - 17 Floor area (cm 2) Single Each additional 1250 625 1000 500 1250 625 2000 750 650 200 1000 250 1250 625 2000 1000 2750 1325 750 200 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) Species Macaw Length / cm Up to 40 40 - 60 Over 60 Parakeet ( i n c l . Up to 25 C o n u r e , K a k a r i , 25 - 30 Rosella) Over 35 Parrot (incl. Caique, Up to 30 P r o n u s , S e n e g a l , 30 - 35 Meyer’
2. s)Over 35 Parrotlet 12 - 14 Hanging parrot 12 - 14 Lories and lorikeets Up to 22.5 22.5 - 30 Over 30 Canary 12 - 15 Cardinal 8-9 Dove and pigeon Up to 22.5 Over 22.5 Finches ( i n c l . Up to 12.5 M a n i k i n s i l v e r b i l l 12.5 - 17.5 sparrow waxbill) Over 17.5 Cross beak 16 - 17 Quail Up to 15 15 - 20 Over 20 Weaver Up to 15 Over 15 Whydah (male with Up to 40 full tail) Over 40 Barbet Up to 20 Over 20 Bullbil, Fruitsucker Fair bluebird, oriole 20 - 25 J a y s , T h r u s h a n d Up to 25 Magpie 25 - 35 Over 35 Mynah 20 - 25 Peking robin, mesia 10 - 12 Starling (incl. Small Up to 20 mynahs) Over 20 Tanager, sugar bird Up to 15 Over 15 Trush (incl. Shama) 15 - 30 Toucan 80 - 90 Toucanette, aracari 30 - 35 Touraco 49 - 51 Zosterops 10 - 12 Chickens [ S.L.439.16 Floor area (cm 2) Single Each additional 1250 625 2250 1000 3750 1200 1000 250 1000 250 1400 450 800 275 1250 625 1500 750 400 200 450 250 800 250 1250 375 2000 500 650 250 1000 250 450 250 1250 625 650 100 750 150 1000 200 1000 200 450 250 650 375 1000 500 650 150 1000 200 1000 200 2000 275 1250 275 1400 450 1000 250 1250 250 1500 250 2000 500 4000 1000 1500 250 1000 200 1500 375 1000 250 1000 250 1000 250 1000 375 3750 1000 2000 625 2000 625 750 100 2500 1500 11 12 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) [ S.L.439.16 Species Length / cm Bantams Ducks Floor area (cm 2) Single Each additional 1000 600 2500 1500 N.B. All birds should be housed in accommodation which allows the full spreading of wings. Schedule D (Regulation 8) Stocking density for ornamental fish and other aquatic species 1. Water quality testing shall be carried out at least once a week. All test results shall be recorded in a register together with the corrective action taken. Further tests shall be carried out when visual inspection of the tanks indicates the need. 2. 3. The water quality for cold-water fish shall be: (
3. a)Dissolved oxygen min. 6-mg/litre (
4. b)Free Ammonia max. 0,02 mg/litre (
5. c)Nitrite max. 0.3 mg/litre (
6. d)Nitrate max. 50mg/litre The water quality for tropical fish shall be: (
7. a)Dissolved oxygen 4. 5. min. 6-mg/litre (
8. b)Free Ammonia max. 0,02 mg/litre (
9. c)Nitrite max. 0.3 mg/litre (
10. d)Nitrate max. 50mg/litre The water quality for tropical marine species shall be: (
11. a)Dissolved oxygen min. 5.5-mg/litre (
12. b)Free Ammonia max. 0.01 mg/litre (
13. c)Nitrite max. 0.3 mg/litre (
14. d)Nitrate max. 40mg/litre The pH of the water for tropical marine species shall be min. 8.1. PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) Substituted by: L.N. 208 of 2025. [ S.L.439.16 13 Schedule E (regulation 8) Enclosure Specifications for Dogs

(1)No dog may be restricted at any time as to cause it unnecessary suffering or injury. Every animal shall be given the space appropriate to its physiological and ethological needs as in accordance with established experience and scientific knowledge.

(2)The floor shall be constructed in such a way to be easily cleaned while providing sufficient grip for the animal to walk without sustaining any injury.

(3)The materials that shall be used for the construction of accommodations, especially which come in direct contact, shall not be harmful to the animals and should be able to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

(4)Appropriate comfortable bedding shall be provided. Bedding shall be kept in a clean, parasite free and dry condition.

(5)The temperature of sleeping areas shall not be below ten degrees Celsius (10°C) or exceed thirty degrees (30°C). A device to read the temperature at any time shall be provided in each enclosure. When temperatures are likely to drop below or rise above the indicated levels, some means of heating and, or cooling respectively shall be provided.

(6)Dogs shall not be kept either in permanent darkness or without an appropriate period of rest from artificial lighting. Where the natural light is insufficient to meet the physiological and ethological needs of the dogs, appropriate artificial lighting shall be provided.

(7)Dogs shall be given suitable socialisation and human contact to establish a well-balanced character.

(8)Dogs which are showing signs of sexual maturity, shall be separated from the opposite sex.

(9)For the purposes of these regulations, the applicable minimum space per dog shall be as listed in the Schedule to the Keeping of Dogs Regulations.

(10)Dog enclosures shall be provided with an exercise area. Dogs shall be allowed to use the exercise area freely, except at night.

(11)The unobstructed space allowance for each dog in the exercise area shall be: (a) for dogs with a withers height up to sixty centimetres (60cm), two point four six square metres (2.46m2) floor surface and the height of the enclosure shall be at least two metres

(2m); and (b) for dogs with a withers height over sixty centimetres (60cm), three point three four square metres (3.34m2) floor surface and the height of the [ S.L.439.16 14 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) enclosure shall be at least two metres

(2m).

(12)The exercise area shall not be used as a sleeping area.

(13)Outside exercise areas shall be roofed to a minimum of half the floor surface.

(14)Floors of the sleeping area, exercise area and isolation enclosure shall not be steep and a minimum fall of one

(1)in eighty

(80)to a shallow drainage or effectively covered deep drainage channel is recommended.

(15)Partition walls between each dog enclosure shall be of solid construction to a minimum height of one point two metres (1.2m). Schedule F (Regulation 8) Deleted by Legal Notice 208 of 2025. Schedule G (Regulation 8) Enclosure Specifications for Cats between the age of 12 weeks and 6 months

(1)Cat enclosures shall be at least 0.85 square metres unobstructed floor space and the height shall be at least 1.22 metres with a minimum enclosure depth of 0.70 metres.

(2)Floors shall be constructed in such a way to be easily cleaned while providing sufficient grip for the animal to walk without sustaining injury.

(3)Cat enclosures shall be provided with scratching poles.

(4)Appropriate comfortable bedding shall be provided. Bedding shall be kept clean, parasite free and in dry condition.

(5)Every cat enclosure shall be provided with a litter tray, which shall be cleaned twice daily.

(6)The temperature of all enclosures shall not fall below 10°C or exceed 30°C. A device to read the temperature at any time shall be provided in each enclosure. When temperatures are likely to drop below or rise above the indicated levels, some means of heating and/or cooling respectively is to be provided.

(7)The unobstructed floor space provided shall be: Number of cats 1-4 5 6 7 8 Unobstructed floor space in square metres 0.85 1.00 1.15 1.30 1.45 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) 9 10 [ S.L.439.16 15 1.60 1.75 Schedule H (Regulation 8) Enclosure Specifications for Cats over 6 months of age

(1)Cat enclosures shall be provided with a sleeping area and an adjoining exercise area, which is exclusive to that enclosure. The unobstructed floor space shall be at least: (

1. a)0.85 square metres for one cat; (
2. b)1.5 square metres for two cats; (
3. c)1.85 square metres for up to four cats. The unobstructed floor space of the exercise area shall provide at least: (
4. a)1.7 square metres for one cat; (
5. b)2.23 square metres for two cats; (
6. c)2.79 square metres for up to four cats. The height of the exercise area shall be at least 2 metres.

(2)Floors shall be constructed in such a way to be easily cleaned while providing sufficient grip for the animal to walk without sustaining injury.

(3)Cat enclosures shall be provided with scratching poles.

(4)Appropriate comfortable bedding shall be provided. Bedding shall be kept clean, parasite free and in a dry condition.

(5)Every cat enclosure shall be provided with a litter tray, which shall be cleaned twice daily.

(6)The temperature of all enclosures shall not fall below 10°C or exceed 30°C. A device to read the temperature at any time shall be provided in each enclosure. When temperatures are likely to drop below or rise above the indicated levels, some means of heating and/or cooling respectively is to be provided. Schedule I (Regulation 8) Housing requirements for reptiles Species Enclosure length Enclosure Depth Enclosure Height Small n o n - v e n o m o u s >or=the length of >or= 1 / 2 the length >or= 1 / 2 the length snakes. e.g. Corn snakes, the snake of the snake of the snake King snakes, Milk snakes 16 [ S.L.439.16 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS OFFERED IN PET SHOPS (MINIMUM STANDARDS) Species Enclosure length Enclosure Depth Enclosure Height Arboreal boas and pythons >or=the length of >or= 1 / 2 the length >or= 1 / 2 the length ( - E m e r a l d t r e e b o a , the snake of the snake of the snake Corallus caninus -Amazon tree boa, Corallus enhydris -Pacific tree boa, Candoia bibroni, -Haitian and rainbow boas, Epicrates spp. -Madagascan tree boa, (Sanzinia madagascariensis) - c a r p e t p y t h o n , M o re l i a spilota -Green tree python, Chondropython viridis) Large constrictors (Burmese > o r = 1 1 / 2 t h e >or= 1 / 2 the length >or= 1 / 2 the length of the snake or Indian python), python l e n g t h o f t h e of the snake moluris Reticulated python, snake P. reticulatus - A f r i c a n r o c k p y t h o n , P. sebae -Common boa, Boa constrictor -Ananconda, Eunectes spp. Lizards and Geckos >or= to 4 lengths >or= to 2 lengths >or= to 2 lengths of the lizard of the lizard of the lizard More specific requirements regarding temperature, humidity, feed and additional information may be obtained from the Director. For housing requirements of reptile species not listed in this Schedule, the advice from the Director shall be sought.