The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to decide to put a ban on ‘dangerous’ dog breeds. (Representational image | Source: Unsplash)
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central government to make a decision, preferably within three months, regarding a plea calling for a ban on ‘dangerous’ dog breeds like pit bulls, American bulldogs, and rottweilers. The Centre’s counsel told the court that the representation had been forwarded to the concerned department, and a decision would be taken after consulting all stakeholders.
The petition, filed by law firm Legal Attorneys & Barristers, claimed that certain dog breeds, classified as ‘dangerous’ and banned in 12 countries, including India, were still being registered by Delhi municipality for domestic ownership.
Promote local dog breeds: Delhi HC
During the hearing, the Delhi HC emphasized on promoting local dog breeds highlighting that Indian breeds are more robust and acclimatized, and fall sick less frequently as compared to other breeds. The High Court also asked the authorities to expedite the decision on the representation, preferably within three months.
Declining a similar plea in October, the HC had advised Legal Attorneys & Barristers to approach the Centre first rather than filing a direct plea. The plea highlighted dog-bite incidents in public places across Delhi NCR and cited media reports of attacks by ‘dangerous’ breeds. The plea also highlighted the lack of government data to track the rise in number of such dogs. It added that such dogs can be used as ‘weapons’ by their owners who only face nominal fines if the attacks happens.
Recently, a 29-year-old doctor was bit by a pet dog on the face in Noida Sector 46. A police complaint was filed against the pet owner under sections 289, 338, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The woman had to undergo four stitches for a ‘Category 3’ bite as the dog’s teeth had pierced through her skin. After several cases of dog bites were reported in residential societies, the Noida Authority made muzzles mandatory whenever pets are taken out for walks. However, the doctor accused the pet owner of not putting a muzzle on his golden retriever’s face.
