NEW DELHI: In a united front, 21 animal protection organisations have expressed strong support for the central government's proposed ban on Pit Bulls and similar foreign dog breeds amid surge in illegal dog fighting and attacks. The ban targets the sale and breeding of 23 aggressive dog breeds, addressing rising incidents of illegal dogfights and pet dog attacks.
These groups include names such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) and Samayu, among others.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, on May 2, sought public comments on its March 12 circular, which was addressed to the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories.
The organizations backing the proposal include prominent groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), and Samayu. The proposal, addressed to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, aims to halt the sale and breeding of breeds like Pitbull Terrier, American Bulldog, Rottweiler, and Mastiffs. This move follows an increase in fatal pet dog attacks.
Shaurya Agrawal, Advocacy Associate at PETA India, highlighted the dual purpose of the proposal in the statement.
"The central government's proposal aims to stop Pit Bull-type breeds from being torn apart in illegal dogfights and protect citizens from being attacked by dogs bred to be unstoppable weapons," Agrawal stated.
Animal protection groups emphasize their support for these measures as a way to safeguard vulnerable dog breeds often sold without warning about their aggressive nature and misuse in fights. Many of these dogs endure severe conditions, often kept on heavy chains and subjected to physical mutilations like ear-cropping and tail-docking intended to reduce injury risk during fights. Injured dogs from these clandestine dogfights rarely receive veterinary care.
Despite the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which outlaws inciting dogs to fight, organized dogfights remain prevalent in certain parts of India.
India faces a significant issue with stray animals, with an estimated 80 million dogs and cats living on the streets. Overcrowded shelters add to the problem, and aggressive breeds such as Pit Bulls are frequently abandoned by owners who are unaware of their aggressive origins. Pit Bulls were originally developed in the UK for dog fighting and have been banned in various countries due to their historical use and tendencies.
There has been a noticeable increase in severe and fatal dog attacks in India. Recently, a 45-year-old woman Prantiya Rakshak Dal jawan was critically injured by a Pit Bull in Baraut. In another incident in Chennai, a five-year-old girl was attacked by Rottweilers. Several other severe attacks have been reported in Ghaziabad, Delhi, and Lucknow.
Animal protection groups believe the proposed ban is a necessary step to curb such incidents and protect both humans and animals from harm.