Barking up the wrong tree? Ban on ‘ferocious’ dogs welcome, not the reason
Following several instances of fatal attacks, the Centre has sought a ban on the import, breeding and sale of “ferocious” dog breeds such as pitbull, rottweiler, terrier, wolf dog and mastiff as pet dogs, deeming them “dangerous for human life”. The restrictions will also extend to mixed and cross-bred canines. Existing house pets of these breeds are to be sterilised.
“We applaud this step to safeguard vulnerable dog breeds exploited by criminal elements of society for illegal dogfighting, as well as children and elderly citizens who are wounded and even killed by specific breeds that are trained to consider other living beings’ prey,” says Shaurya Agarwal, advocacy research associate, PETA, adding that the order will help address the misuse of these animals as weapons, as well as their high abandonment rate in India.
But not everyone is convinced. “There is no such thing as an aggressive breed,” notes Ambika Shukla, animal rights activist and a trustee of People for Animals (PFA). “We welcome the regulation on sale and breeding of certain breeds, but not for the reason that the Centre has specified. These breeds are kept confined, not given any medical attention, are sold for dog fights and get hurt or harm each other in the process. No breed is intrinsically dangerous to humans,” she adds.
Concurring that these breeds are not “ferocious”, Touch and Treat Animal Trust founder Anupam Mehta, says, “Breeders abandon these breeds when the dogs grow old. In India, 90% of breeding is illegal (without license). With this rule, breeding for such purposes will end and people will be compelled to adopt from shelters.”