Animal Advocacy Groups Rally Behind India’s Proposed Ban on Dangerous Dog Breeds
In a decisive move to protect public safety, the Indian government has proposed a ban on Pit Bulls and other foreign dog breeds known for their aggressive tendencies. This bold initiative comes amidst a surge in illegal dog fighting and attacks, prompting widespread support from 21 animal protection organizations, including prominent names like PETA India, FIAPO, and Samayu.
Proposed Ban Targets 23 Breeds Amidst Rising Dog Attacks and Illegal Dog Fighting
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has sought public comments on a March 12 circular proposing the ban on the sale and breeding of 23 ferocious dog breeds. These breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs, have been implicated in a rising number of fatal attacks on humans.
Animal Protection Groups Applaud Government’s Effort to Protect Vulnerable Breeds
Animal advocacy groups have applauded the government’s proactive approach to safeguarding both humans and animals. Shaurya Agrawal, an Advocacy Associate at PETA India, emphasized the need to protect these vulnerable dog breeds from being exploited for illegal dog fights and to shield citizens from potential attacks.
Pit Bulls and Similar Breeds Face Abuse and Mutilation in Illegal Dog Fighting Rings
Pit Bulls and related breeds are frequently subjected to abuse, often chained and trained as attack dogs, leading to aggressive behaviors. These dogs often endure illegal physical mutilations, such as ear-cropping and tail-docking, to prevent injuries during fights. Injured dogs from these illicit activities rarely receive veterinary care, exacerbating their suffering.
Organized Dogfights Flourish Despite Legal Prohibitions
Despite the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, which criminalizes inciting dogs to fight, organized dog fights have become increasingly prevalent in parts of India. The country also grapples with a significant stray animal problem, with an estimated 80 million dogs and cats struggling to survive on the streets or in overcrowded shelters.
Pit Bulls, Bred for Aggression, Frequently Abandoned by Unsuspecting Buyers
Pit Bulls, originally developed in the UK for dog fighting, have been banned in numerous countries due to their aggressive history and tendencies. Unsuspecting buyers often acquire these dogs without understanding their aggressive origins, leading to frequent abandonments and a rise in severe and fatal attacks in India.
Recent Dog Attacks Highlight Urgent Need for Government Intervention
Recent incidents, such as a 45-year-old woman critically injured by a Pit Bull in Baraut and a five-year-old girl attacked by Rottweilers in Chennai, underscore the urgent need for government intervention. Similar attacks have been reported in Ghaziabad, Delhi, and Lucknow, further fueling public concern and support for the proposed ban.
Key Learnings
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| India proposes ban on dangerous dog breeds. | The Indian government has proposed a ban on the sale and breeding of 23 ferocious dog breeds to protect public safety. |
| Animal protection groups support the ban. | 21 animal protection organizations have expressed their support for the ban. |
| Pit Bulls and similar breeds are often abused and used in illegal dog fighting. | These dogs are frequently subjected to abuse and mutilation, leading to aggressive behaviors. |
| Organized dogfights are prevalent in India despite legal prohibitions. | The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, makes inciting dogs to fight illegal, but organized dogfights have become increasingly common. |
| Pit Bulls are frequently abandoned by unsuspecting buyers. | These dogs are often acquired by people who are unaware of their aggressive origins, leading to frequent abandonments and a rise in severe and fatal attacks in India. |
| Recent dog attacks highlight the need for government intervention. | Recent incidents of dog attacks in various parts of India have underscored the urgent need for government intervention to protect public safety. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
