India deems 23 dog breeds as ‘ferocious’; urges states to adopt a ban

India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has recognized 23 dog breeds as ‘ferocious’ and urged state governments and union territories to impose a ban on the import, sale and breeding of these recognized breeds.

Officials in New Delhi issued a letter to all state and union government secretaries to impose a ban starting 12 March after recognizing fatal incidents from bites by some ‘ferocious’ dog breeds.

GlobalPETS learned from government officials that though it is up to the recipients of the letters to enforce state-wide bans, the rollout can be expected soon. Regulations may differ according to local jurisdictions. 

Which dog breeds are affected?

The list of 23 dangerous dog species considered a “threat to human life” includes large breeds like Pitbull Terriers, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Tosa Inus, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, Wolf dogs, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, and South Russian Shepherds.

It also includes mastiffs like Boerboels, Kangals, and Cane Corso or ‘Bandog’ and other breeds like Japanese Tosa and Akita, Tornjak, Akbash dog, Šarplaninac, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Canario, Akbash dog and Moscow Guard dog.

Background

Last year, a PIL (public interest litigation) was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on and cancellation of licenses for ‘aggressive’ dog breeds. In December, the court ordered the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to decide on further action for the petitioners.

The recent advisory letter recognizes not just the PIL petitioners but other similar cases of dog attacks across the county.

How will pet owners be affected?

There are no current blanket regulations for pet ownership in India, but industry insiders forecast some changes. 

The state of Uttar Pradesh—one of the early adopters of the ban—decided not to issue new licenses for the aforementioned breeds. Owners keeping banned dogs without a permit could expect a fine of ₹5,000 ($59.99/€55.55) and confiscation of the pet. In addition, owners will also be mandated to sterilize their pets to prevent further breeding and maintain scheduled vaccinations.

Those who already have a license will be able to keep their dogs and be allowed to renew their existing license, too, clarifies Dr Abhinav Varma, Chief Veterinary Officer, Lucknow Municipal Corporation, to local media.

On the contrary, it has been reported that the High Court of Karnataka has put a stay order on the breed ban.

Industry criticism

The contentious regulation has been criticized by the Indian National Kennel Club (INKC), which has expressed its disappointment.

“Such bans will adversely affect preservation breeders who have worked tirelessly for decades to scientifically breed genetically sound purebred dogs,” admits the INKC’s President Phiroze B. Javeri in conversation with GlobalPETS.

He also warns, “The further drop in the number of quality breeders will all the more encourage puppy mills who produce poorly bred and badly raised pups, thus severely adversely impacting canine welfare.”