Govt bans 25 ferocious dog breeds: What prompted the decision?

Centre urged state governments to impose a ban on the import, sale, and breeding of 25 ferocious dog breeds.

The decision to impose a ban on the import, sale, and breeding of dog breeds is due to rising cases of aggressive dog attacks across the country.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying constituted an Expert Committee to identify dangerous breeds, including Rottweiler, Pitbull, and Mastiffs, among others.

The recommended prohibition extends to import, breeding, and sale of these identified dog breeds, with directives for local bodies and the Department of Animal Husbandry to refrain from issuing licenses or permits.

Notably, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, advocating for the ban to protect dogs from exploitation in illegal dog fights and breeding.

Existing owners of banned breeds are allowed to keep them as pets but must ensure sterilization to prevent further breeding.

The central government also recommends enforcing the Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules 2017 and Pet Shop Rules 2018 at the local level to curb illegal practices.

Dogs breeds that have been banned are Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentina, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog (ovcharka), Caucasian Shepherd Dog (ovcharka), Wolf dogs, etc.