Today (March 14): The Central Government has been urged to implement a ban on 23 breeds of ‘ferocious dogs’ due to concerns regarding public safety. The decision follows recommendations from an Expert Committee comprising various stakeholders and experts in response to escalating demands for stricter regulations. The proposed ban encompasses breeds such as Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Cane Corso, aiming to mitigate potential risks associated with their ownership and breeding.
NEW DELHI: Today (14th March): The Central Government directed all States and Union Territories to outlaw 23 breeds of ‘ferocious dogs’ due to their potential threat to human safety. The directive comes after the government’s commitment to the Delhi High Court in December 2023 to promptly address calls for banning licenses for these perceived dangerous dog breeds.
In a communication dispatched by Dr. OP Chaudhary, Joint Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in response to numerous appeals from citizens, forums, animal welfare groups, and legal proceedings in the High Court, an Expert Committee was convened.
Led by the Animal Husbandry Commissioner and representatives from various stakeholder organizations and domain experts, the Committee has identified the following breeds as hazardous to human life:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentino
- American Bulldog
- Boerboel
- Kangal
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
- South Russian Shepherd Dog (Ovcharka)
- Tornjak
- Sarplaninac
- Japanese Tosa
- Japanese Akita
- Mastiffs
- Rottweiler
- Terriers
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Wolf dogs
- Canario Akbash dog
- Moscow Guard dog
- Cane Corso
READ ALSO: SCAORA Election|| Condemns Secretary Over Baseless Allegation
The Expert Committee’s recommendation entails the prohibition of importation, breeding, and sale of the aforementioned breeds, including cross-breeds, for pet or any other purposes.
Consequently, local authorities and the Department of Animal Husbandry asked not to issue licenses or permits for the sale or breeding of these breeds. Moreover, the possession of these breeds will be prohibited.
Furthermore, it has been specified that existing pet dogs of these breeds must undergo sterilization to prevent further breeding and proliferation.
