EXPLAINED | India's Push To Ban Pit Bulls And Rottweilers: Unveiling The Dangers Of These Dog Breeds

The keeping of aggressive dog breeds such as Pitbull, Rottweiler, Terrier, Wolf Dog, and Mastiff, along with crossbred and mixed breeds, is prohibited due to their perceived "danger to human life. According to The Times of India, each state has been written to by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, requesting that no licences or permits be issued for the sale or breeding of these canines.

The recommendation is based on a report by an expert committee and animal welfare organisations that was established by the ruling of the Delhi High Court. The breeds identified (including mixed and cross breeds) are to be prohibited, as stated in an official release.

Ban on Aggressive Dog Breeds

These breeds include Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boesboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Rottweiler, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbas, Moscow Guard, Cane Corso, and every dog of the type commonly known as Bandog.

"It is suggested that necessary implementation guidelines may also be issued by the local bodies," mentioned the letter. The letter highlights that several representations have been made by citizen and animal welfare organisations, in addition to the judgment of the Delhi High Court, which prohibits the ownership of certain kinds of dogs as pets.

In a ruling dated 6 December 2023, it was ordered by the Delhi HC "that the Union of India shall decide petitioner's representation as expeditiously possible, preferably within three months, after consulting all stakeholders."

Additionally, it has been requested by the government that states ensure that local organisations and state animal welfare boards ensure the implementation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules 2018.

Dog Attacks: Recent Incidents and Municipal Bans

In January of this year, a man in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, suffered an attack by his pet Rottweiler, resulting in more than 60 wounds as the dog bit and tore flesh from his arms and legs. The incident took place when the man, realizing he had forgotten to feed the dog during the day, went to provide food around midnight. He was rescued by his son after the hungry Rottweiler turned aggressive and began biting him.

During the same month, four other incidents of a similar nature were reported. One involved a seven-year-old boy attacked by a Pitbull while playing near his residence in Mahendra Park, northwest Delhi. In Vishwas Nagar, another Pit bull attack injured a two-year-old boy. Additionally, a 1.5-year-old girl was attacked by a Pitbull in the Burari Nagar Colony in Uttarakhand, resulting in three leg fractures and requiring 18 stitches. An American bully attacked a seven-year-old girl in Shahbad Dairy, and a Pitbull mauled an 18-month-old girl in the Burari area, grabbing her from her grandfather's lap.

In November 2023, a 65-year-old non-resident Indian (NRI) visiting his son in Bengaluru was attacked by a Rottweiler in Malleswaram, also injuring a 60-year-old man nearby. A case was filed against the owner of the dog under IPC section 289 (negligent conduct concerning animals).

In August 2022, a Pitbull out for a walk with its owners in Gurugram mauled a 30-year-old woman, causing severe facial and head injuries. Similarly, a teenager in Meerut suffered serious injuries from a Pit bull attack while walking past a dog chained to a house's fence. Locals had to pry open the dog's jaws with a screwdriver to release the teenager.

According to the Deccan Herald, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation implemented a ban on owning Rottweilers, Pit bulls, and Dogo Argentinos as pets in 2022 following incidents of dog bites. The city authority also issued guidelines requiring pet owners to obtain a license for their canines and restricted families to owning only one pet dog, with a penalty of Rs 2,000 for failure to register pets.

Similarly, in September of the same year, Panchkula, Haryana, passed a ban on Pit bulls and Rottweilers. Additionally, the Kanpur Municipal Corporation enacted a resolution prohibiting the breeding of Pit bulls and Rottweilers in the city, imposing fines of up to Rs 5,000 and confiscating pets found in violation of the resolution.

Are these breeds dangerous?

The contentious nature and bad reputation associated with all five dog breeds have emerged due to various issues, leading to their banning or restriction in several nations, including Turkey, the Cayman Islands, Norway, and others. Pit bulls have garnered notoriety due to their history of involvement in dog fighting, a high number of documented bite instances, and their tendency to grip onto prey while biting.

Companies offering dog liability insurance in the US hold Pit bull owners accountable for any attacks their dogs may inflict on others. Debates surrounding whether their behaviour is innate or influenced by their owners are often engaged in. The alarming behaviour of wolf dogs is attributed to the genetic makeup they share with wolves and dogs. Their unpredictable nature and inability to have their needs met make them challenging to handle.

Rottweilers, believed to be descendants of cattle-driving dogs left by Roman soldiers, have been involved in numerous headline-making attack incidents. Despite being fiercely loyal, their aggressive appearance and negative portrayal in the media have contributed to their reputation.

Dogo Argentinos, bred for hunting purposes, share similar characteristics with Rottweilers. They are recognized for their strong instinct to protect their territory and their social nature. Mastiff dogs, developed as estate and home guards, boast a long history stemming from the mixing of various breeds during different historical periods. They may become violent if not socialized early and could pose a danger to small children due to their size.

Bandogs, believed to have originated in Middle England, served purposes such as property guarding, hunting, and combat. Despite their protective and devoted nature, they are not recommended for inexperienced owners.

Other countries that have banned these breeds

Pit bulls, considered far too aggressive by experts to be kept as house pets, have faced bans or restrictions in 30 nations, including the UK, Denmark, Colombia, Norway, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, France, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Rottweilers, known for their aggressive nature and powerful jaws, have been banned or restricted in 18 countries, including Ecuador, Bermuda, France, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Qatar, Ukraine, Malaysia, and many US states.

Like pit bulls, Dogo Argentinos have faced bans or restrictions in several countries, including Ukraine, Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, and New Zealand. In the UK, Dogo Argentinos are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 unless an owner obtains a court exemption.

Terriers, found in as many as 11 countries, including Australia, Bermuda, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, have been banned or restricted.

Wolf dogs, another contentious breed, are banned or restricted in Australia, Bermuda, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, Mastiffs have also faced bans or restrictions in Bermuda, Malaysia, Qatar, and Singapore.