Banned Dog Breeds: Pitbull, Bulldog, Rottweiler and More: Centre Orders States To Ban 23 ‘Ferocious’ Dog Breeds

New Delhi: The Central Government has issued directives to all states to ban the sale and breeding of “ferocious” dog breeds. This list of dog breeds includes breeds such as Pitbull Terrier, American Bulldog, Rottweiler and more.

The centre had been mulling over the ban of ‘ferocious’ dog breeds in light of the recent attacks. However, as per PTI an official directive for the ban of these dogs has been issued across all states and union territories.

This directive bars people from keeping the following dog breeds as pets – Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Mastiffs, Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolf Dogs, Canario, Akbash Dog, Moscow Guard Dog, Cane Corso and Bandog.

As per the directive issued, “…the above dog breeds, including crossbreeds, shall be prohibited for import, breeding, selling as pet dogs and other purposes”.

In a letter dates March 12, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying had stated that these breeds of dogs should be sterilised to prevent further breeding.

This ban on dog breeds comes after an increase in the number of cases of dog attacks, bites and more. After a committee was set up by the department, these 23 breeds were identified as ‘ferocious’. Any mixed and cross breeds of these 23 dogs were also stated “dangerous to human lives”.

The committee was set up based on an order filed by the Delhi High Court which called on the Union of India to decide on the ban of dangerous dog breeds. During this hearing, Delhi HC also stressed on the need for promoting the local breeds of dogs which are “sturdy”.

“Indian breeds need to be taken care of. They are far more sturdy. They don’t fall sick that often because they have acclimatized. Today we are vocal for local,” stated the court on December 2023.

(With inputs from PTI)