In a significant move, the government has initiated a ban on the ownership of 25 aggressive dog breeds effective from March 12, 2024. This decision, rooted in expert recommendations and advocacy from PETA, aims to address the escalating concerns surrounding dog attacks nationwide.
The directive, issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, calls upon state governments to enforce restrictions on the import, sale, and breeding of these specified dog breeds, deemed hazardous to human safety. Notably, breeds such as Pitbull Terriers, Tosa Inu, and American Staffordshire Terriers are among those included in the ban.
Existing pet owners of the prohibited breeds are required to adhere to stringent licensing, sterilization, and vaccination protocols to retain their dogs. Dr. Abhinav Varma, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, reassured current pet owners, stating that their licenses would be renewed, provided they comply with the new regulations.
This decision follows a comprehensive report submitted by a panel of experts and animal welfare organizations, prompted by a directive from the Delhi High Court. The report identifies specific breeds as “ferocious” and recommends their prohibition for various purposes, including import, breeding, and sale.
The government’s stance also aligns with efforts to enforce existing regulations such as the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules 2017 and the Pet Shop Rules 2018, aimed at curbing illegal breeding practices and ensuring animal welfare.
PETA, India, a prominent animal rights organization, has actively campaigned for the ban, emphasizing the protection of both humans and dogs from exploitation and cruelty. Their efforts have underscored the prevalence of abandoned dogs, particularly pit bulls and related breeds, in India, often victims of illegal breeding and dog fights.
Dr. Verma clarified that no new licenses will be issued for the banned breeds, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing the directive. Currently, there are approximately 800 licensed dogs of the prohibited breeds in the city, with significant numbers issued in previous years.
List of banned breeds
- Pitbull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentina
- American Bulldog
- Boerboel
- Kangal
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog (ovcharka)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog (ovcharka)
- South Russian Shepherd Dog (ovcharka)
- Tornjak, Sarplaninac
- Japanese Tosa and Akita
- Mastiffs (boerbulls)
- Rottweiler
- Terriers
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Wolf dogs
- Canario
- Akbash dog
- Moscow Guard dog
- Cane corso and every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandag)
As the government takes proactive measures to address concerns surrounding aggressive dog breeds, stakeholders are urged to cooperate in ensuring the safety and well-being of both humans and animals.
