Ban on Certain Dog Breeds in India

Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, issued a recommendation to ban the import and breeding of 23 dog breeds in India. The recommendation was made in response to appeals from not-for-profit organisations and activists, citing concerns about attacks on humans, animal abuse, and the use of certain breeds in illegal dog fighting. However, as of March 16, 2024, the recommendation has not been passed as a rule, and the breeds are not officially banned.

Listed Breeds

The 23 breeds listed in the recommendation include power breeds such as the Rottweiler and Dogo Argentino. The list has raised questions about the criteria used to determine which breeds are considered aggressive or dangerous.

Reasons for the Recommendation

The recommendation was made to address several issues, including:

• Attacks on humans
• Animal abuse
• Use of certain breeds in illegal dog fighting
• Concerns about the well-being of exotic breeds in Indian climatic conditions

Supporters and Critics

The recommendation has found both supporters and critics within the animal welfare community.

Supporters

Many animal activists support the recommendation, believing that it will help curb illegal dog fighting and prevent foreign breeds from suffering in Indian climatic conditions. They argue that exotic breeds often struggle to adapt to India’s hot and humid climate and may require special nutrition that some pet parents are unable or unwilling to provide. Supporters also believe that a ban on these breeds will encourage more people to adopt Indies, which are well-suited to the Indian environment and have lower maintenance requirements.

Critics

Critics of the recommendation argue that it is flawed to label all 23 breeds as inherently aggressive. They point out that any dog, regardless of breed, can become aggressive if not properly exercised or kept in good living conditions. Some breeders also argue that a blanket ban would harm the dog breeding industry, which employs thousands of people across India, and suggest that better regulation of breeding practices would be a more effective solution.

Impact on Pet Parents and Breeders

If the ban is enforced, pet parents who own dogs of the listed breeds may face challenges, such as potential abandonment or ostracism from neighbours or building societies. However, according to the recommendation, the dogs would need to be sterilised but not euthanised, providing some reassurance to pet parents. Breeders would be given sufficient time to sell their existing litter before facing any legal action.

Alternatives to the Ban

Instead of a blanket ban, some experts suggest the following alternatives:

• Stricter breeding regulations
• Compulsory training for all dogs and their pet parents
• Pan-India sterilisation drives
• Encouraging the adoption of Indian breeds.

Important Facts

• The petition for the ban was filed by The Legal Attorneys & Barristers Law Firm before the High Court of Delhi.
• The ban, if implemented, could lead to the abandonment of many dogs of the listed breeds, potentially creating a new problem for animal welfare organisations to address.
• The recommendation has reignited the debate on buying dogs, especially exotic breeds, versus adopting Indie breeds.

Way Forward

The recommendation to ban certain dog breeds in India has sparked a heated debate among animal welfare activists, breeders, and pet parents. While the intentions behind the recommendation are to ensure the well-being of both humans and animals, it is essential for the government to conduct thorough research and consider the potential impact on all stakeholders before making a final decision. Ultimately, the welfare and well-being of all dogs should be the top priority.