New Delhi, March 13, 2024
In a significant move aimed at safeguarding public safety, the Indian government has recommended a ban on several dog breeds that are deemed dangerous for human life. The directive, issued by the Animal Husbandry Ministry, targets breeds commonly associated with illegal fighting and aggressive behavior.
The Banned Breeds
The list of prohibited dog breeds includes:
1. Pitbull Terrier: Known for their strength and tenacity, pit bulls have been involved in several attacks on humans. Their powerful jaws and territorial nature make them a potential threat.
2. Tosa Inu: Originally bred for dog fighting, Tosa Inus are large and muscular dogs with a history of aggression.
3. American Staffordshire Terrier: Similar to pit bulls, these terriers have a reputation for being aggressive and unpredictable.
4. Fila Brasileiro: Also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, this breed is protective and territorial, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
5. Dogo Argentino: Bred for hunting large game, Dogo Argentinos are strong and fearless, posing a risk to humans.
6. American Bulldog: These muscular dogs have been involved in attacks due to their territorial instincts.
7. Boerboel: Originally bred as farm dogs, Boerboels are protective and can be aggressive if not properly trained.
8. Kangal: A livestock guardian breed, Kangals can exhibit aggression towards perceived threats.
9. Russian Shepherd: Also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, this breed is fiercely protective and can be dangerous.
10. Tornjak: A Croatian livestock guardian breed, Tornjaks can be territorial and aggressive.
11. Sarplaninac: A Serbian shepherd dog, Sarplaninacs are known for their protective instincts.
12. Japanese Tosa: Bred for dog fighting, Japanese Tosas have a history of aggression.
13. Akita: Originally used for hunting bears, Akitas can be dominant and aggressive.
14. Mastiffs: Large and powerful, mastiffs can pose a threat if not properly trained.
15. Terriers: While terriers come in various sizes, some breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be aggressive.
16. Rhodesian Ridgeback: Originally bred for hunting lions, these dogs can be strong-willed and assertive.
17. Wolf Dogs: Crossbreeds between wolves and domestic dogs, wolf dogs can exhibit unpredictable behavior.
18. Canario: Also known as the Presa Canario, this breed has been involved in attacks on humans.
19. Akbash Dog: A Turkish livestock guardian breed, Akbash dogs can be territorial and protective.
20. Moscow Guard Dog: Bred for guarding, these dogs can be aggressive towards strangers.
21. Cane Corso: An Italian mastiff breed, Cane Corsos can be dominant and protective.
22. Every dog of the type commonly known as a 'Ban Dog': This category includes any dog with aggressive tendencies.
Recent Attacks
23. Pitbull Terrier: In Delhi, a toddler was hospitalized for 17 days with a broken leg after a pit bull bite.
24. Tosa Inu: A man in the capital provoked his Tosa Inu to attack a neighbor.
25. American Staffordshire Terrier: In Ghaziabad, a pit bull critically injured a ten-year-old child.
Background and Rationale
The recommendation comes after appeals from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which highlighted the exploitation of these breeds by criminal elements for illegal dogfighting. Additionally, children and elderly citizens have often been injured or even killed by some of these aggressive dogs.
Recent incidents across the country underscore the urgency of this action. These include a toddler hospitalized for 17 days with a broken leg after a pit bull bite in Delhi, a man provoking his pit bull to attack a neighbor in the capital, and a pit bull critically injuring a ten-year-old child in Ghaziabad.
Enforcement and Regulation
The government has not only recommended a ban but also called for the enforcement of existing regulations. The Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules 2017 and the Pet Shop Rules 2018 must be strictly adhered to. Most pet shops and breeders operate illegally, lacking registration with state animal welfare boards. These establishments often deprive dogs of proper veterinary care, adequate food, exercise, affection, and opportunities for socialization.
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