In an effort to address rising cases of aggressive dog attacks across the country — particularly on children and the elderly (in some cases leading to death) — the center on Wednesday banned the importation, sale and breeding of 23 “feral” dog breeds it considers a “threat to human life.” .
Breeds that are considered dangerous to human life include Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Terrier, Wolfhound, Russian Shepherd and Mastiff. The ban also applies to mixed and hybrids of these wild breeds.
This action followed the report of a joint committee of experts and animal welfare officials in response to the order of the Delhi High Court. The court directed the Union government to take a decision on the matter within three months in consultation with all stakeholders.
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The Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has also sent a letter to the Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to ensure that the ban is implemented.
According to the letter, the expert commission set up under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Animal Husbandry also recommends banning the import of such dog breeds.
Complete list of prohibited dog breeds
The list of prohibited dog breeds includes — Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd, Caucasian Shepherd, South Russian Shepherd, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiff, Rottweiler , terriers, Rhodesian ridgebacks, wolfdogs, canaries, akbash dogs, Moscow watchdogs, cane corso and any dog of the type commonly known as a “forbidden dog”.
The central government is also looking to implement the Breeding and Sale of Dogs Regulations, 2017 and the Pet Shop Regulations, 2018.
In its petition, PETA wrote: “This order is key to ensuring vital protections for both people and dogs, and sends a strong and clear message that pit bulls and other similar breeds are being bred to be used as weapons. Pit bulls and related breeds are the most commonly abandoned dogs in India and this action can prevent a lot of suffering.”
