Kerala High Court Stays Ban on Breeding of Certain Dog Breeds

Kerala High Court Decision: Stayed the implementation of the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying's circular that banned the breeding and licensing of 23 ferocious dog breeds.
Partial Stay: The court did not stay the circular's provisions on banning the import and sale of these dog breeds.
Legal Petition: The order came in response to a writ petition filed by three individuals, self-described dog lovers and owners of the banned breeds.
Circular Details: Issued on March 12, the circular aimed to ban the sale and breeding of 23 dog breeds, including pit bull terrier, American bulldog, Rottweiler, and mastiffs, across India.
Sterilization Requirement: The circular also required the sterilization of these breeds already kept as pets to prevent further breeding.
Precedent from Other High Courts: The petitioners cited interim orders from the Karnataka and Calcutta High Courts, which had stayed similar bans.

Objective of the Ban: Aimed at addressing public safety concerns associated with ferocious dog breeds and ensuring animal welfare by regulating their breeding and sale.
Legal and Ethical Debate: The move sparked debates about animal rights, responsible pet ownership, and the effectiveness of breed-specific legislation in preventing dog attacks.
Impact on Dog Owners: Owners of the banned breeds are caught in a legal and moral dilemma, balancing their attachment to their pets against regulatory compliance.
National Context: Similar legal challenges and debates are occurring across various states, highlighting the complexities of implementing breed-specific bans in India.

Reason it's important : Kerala HC stays Centre’s order on ferocious dogs

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 01 April 2024

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