Animal rights groups, experts rally behind breed-specific ban on dogs
The HinduAfter six different High Courts decided to either nullify or suspend the Centre’s circular last month banning 23 breeds of “ferocious” dogs, several animal rights groups and experts have spoken in support of the government’s breed-specific ban initiative. “There are 80 million dogs and cats suffering on India’s streets, and animal shelters are overcrowded, and pit bulls and related breeds are the most commonly abandoned dog breeds in India,” the animal rights outfit also said in its statement. It added, “PETA India will call on the Central government to use this opportunity to see how the circular can be further strengthened to protect these vulnerable dog breeds, which are largely bred to be abused, and safeguard more Indian citizens against attack.” Gauri Maulekhi, a prominent animal welfare activist and trustee of People for Animals, told The Hindu, “India has four crore street dogs, which are homeless. Varda Mehrotra, animal rights expert and founder of Samayu, a non-profit, said, “Banning certain dog breeds that are not suitable for the Indian conditions is a commendable step”.