Introduction

In an important step to curb the number of deadly dog attacks across the country, the central government has ordered all state  and federal governments to impose an immediate ban on the import, sale and of 23 ferocious  and dangerous dog  breeds to human life

The decision of the high court is purely based on the recommendations of the expert committee formed by the Animal and Diary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. The panel was created in response to growing concerns and complaints from citizen groups and animal welfare organizations about serious and sometimes fatal attacks by certain pet popular dog breeds but controversial large dog breeds such as:-

• Pitbull Terrier
• Tosa Inu
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Fila Brasileiro
• Dogo Argentino
• American Bulldog
• Boesboel
• Kangal
• Central Asian Shephard Dog
• Caucasian Shephard Dog
• South Russian Shephard Dog
• Tornjak, Sarplaninac
• Japenese Tosa and Akita
• Mastiffs
• Rottweiler
• Terriers
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Wolf Dogs
• Canario
• Akbash
• Moscow Guard
• Cane Corso
• Bandog

It is clear from the announcement that the ban applies not only to purebred dogs of these breeds but also to their crossbreeds and mixed-breed offspring. This effectively rules out larger, muscular watchdog-type breeds with a reputation for aggression 

Owners Of Existing Dogs Must Ensure Sterilization

For those who already own certain breeds of dogs, the government has mandated that their pets be sterilized to prevent further breeding. This is to ensure that these breeds are eliminated as pets over time.

The letter refers to the recommendations of an expert group that consisted of various stakeholders such as veterinarians, animal behavior experts, animal welfare organizations, municipalities, and citizen groups. The commissioner talked about identifying dog breeds that can be considered too aggressive or ferocious and can fatally attack people, especially if not properly trained or controlled. They were also asked to suggest remedies to control the breeding and sale of such breeds as pets

The task of the committee was to identify dog breeds that could be considered too aggressive or ferocious and that could fatally attack people, especially if properly trained or controlled. It was also asked to suggest remedies to control the reproduction and sale of such breeds as pets.

Major Concerns Regarding Illegal Breeding And Improper Training

Animal rights and civic groups have long raised the alarm about the uncontrolled breeding of certain dog breeds, especially illegal puppy mills and backyard breeders who want to take profits from fashionable and larger breeds as status symbols.

Incorrect training and poor socialization of these dogs combined with irresponsible ownership have led to several widespread cases of pet dogs attacking people, sometimes resulting in death. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

The government has also asked the states to ensure that the relevant state and local animal welfare agencies properly implement the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regarding Breeding and Marketing of Dogs) Regulations 2017 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Regulations 2018.