In a letter to Indian states, the central government asked local authorities to stop issuing licenses and permits for the sale and breeding of so-called “wild” dog breeds. This policy comes in response to a series of fatal accidents caused by dogs. The Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has proposed a nationwide ban involving the import, breeding and sale of a number of potentially dangerous dog breeds.
This list includes Rottweilers, pit bulls, terriers, wolf hybrids, and mastiffs. This restriction would not be limited to purebred dogs, but would also extend to mongrels and crossbreeds created from these so-called “wild” breeds. The recommendations are based on a report prepared by an expert panel of animal welfare organizations. The establishment of the committee followed a Delhi High Court order that highlighted growing public concern over dog attacks. The Center’s proposal has sparked debate.
Supporters say the ban is necessary to ensure public safety, especially children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to dog attacks. They point to the inherent strength and power of these breeds, which can pose a serious threat if not properly trained or socialized. Opponents of the ban argue that it unfairly demonizes entire races and fails to address the root cause of the problem: irresponsible property rights. They emphasize the importance of proper training, socialization, and responsible pet ownership to prevent dog attacks. They have also raised concerns about the practicality of enforcing such a blanket ban, particularly with respect to mixed breeds and existing owners of dogs of this type.
The Center’s proposals address alternative solutions, including mandatory training and temperament testing for certain breeds, stricter licensing requirements for pet owners, and increased public education campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership. sparked a debate.
The department said that the dogs from these breeds already kept as pets will be sterilised to prevent further breeding. The identified breeds including mixed and cross breeds are Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Kangal, Central American Shefford Dog, Caucasian Shefford Dog, South Russian Shefford Dog, Tronjack, Sparlinic Linac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Rottweiler, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbar, Moskogart, Kane Corso and every dog of the type commonly known as Bandog, an official release said.
