Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 29th January 2025: A case has been registered against a pitbull owner after their unleashed dog viciously attacked a community dog in the city. The incident, which was caught on camera, prompted an FIR following a complaint by local activist Suraj Bagde and Berryl Sanchis of the Aurangabad Pet Lovers Association (APLA), with support from PETA India.
The attack, which took place in a public area, left the stray dog with severe injuries. In the video footage, the pitbull can be seen grabbing the community dog by the throat and shaking it violently. Shockingly, the owner made no attempt to restrain their pet or stop the attack. The injured dog is currently receiving medical care and remains in critical condition.
Following the intervention of PETA India, the Jawahar Nagar Police registered an FIR under Section 11(1)(i) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, along with Sections 325, 125, 291, and 336 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
“Jawahar Nagar police deserve appreciation for acting swiftly on this case,” said Sunayana Basu, Cruelty Response Coordinator at PETA India. “Pitbull-type breeds are often exploited for illegal dogfights and subjected to immense cruelty. To safeguard both animals and people, we urge the Maharashtra government to implement a ban on breeding, selling, and keeping these dogs.”
Pitbulls and similar foreign breeds are frequently used in illegal dogfighting rings across India, despite laws prohibiting such activities under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The lack of stringent enforcement has led to a rise in underground dogfights, where pitbulls are forced to fight until they are severely injured or killed. Many of these dogs endure inhumane treatment, including ear cropping and tail docking—painful procedures that are illegal yet still widely practiced.
PETA India has called for a statewide policy that mandates sterilization and registration of pitbull-type breeds while banning their sale and ownership after a specific date. Additionally, the organization is advocating for stricter action against unlicensed pet shops, illegal breeders, and dogfighting operations.
Authorities have intensified their investigation into the incident, and further legal action against the pitbull’s owner is expected. Meanwhile, animal welfare groups continue to push for stronger regulations to prevent such attacks and ensure the humane treatment of all dogs.
