unlawfulpetdealing
nounUK /ʌnˈlɔːfəl pɛt ˈdiːlɪŋ/
US /ʌnˈlɔfəl pɛt ˈdilɪŋ/
The act of buying or selling animals as pets in a way that breaks the law.
The police stopped the unlawfulpetdealing ring that was selling puppies without proper papers.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Selling pets without the required license or permits.
The shop was fined for unlawfulpetdealing because it had no license.
3. Trading protected or endangered animals as pets.
Officials charged the dealer with unlawfulpetdealing after finding rare parrots.
4. Selling sick or stolen pets to buyers who do not know the truth.
The market was shut down for unlawfulpetdealing involving stolen kittens.