The national government has instructed states to prohibit the sale and breeding of 23 aggressive dog breeds, such as Pitbull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs, due to an increase in pet dog attacks. The directive, sent to states and Union Territories, prohibits individuals from keeping these 23 breeds as pets.
Additionally, the government recommends sterilizing these breeds already kept as pets to prevent further breeding. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying received requests from citizens and animal welfare organizations to ban certain breeds due to safety concerns. An expert panel identified 23 breeds, including mixed and crossbreeds, as aggressive and hazardous to human safety.
The banned breeds listed include Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, among others. The government’s letter cites the expert panel’s recommendations, prohibiting these breeds from import, breeding, sale as pets, and other purposes.